The Clinton Maroons Defeated the Shelbyville Rams by a score of 62-61 on Saturday night. The Maroons were led by Jr. Jacob Overton with 21 points. Jr. Tanner White aslo chipped in with 15 points, and Sr. Bowe Carter had 12 points.

With the win the Maroons Improve to 8/13. Tune in Tuesday, February 10th as the Maroons take on Warrensburg-Lathem. You can hear the game live on The big 1520 AM/ 92.3 FM and online at DewittDailynews.com

AS BURN PREVENTION WEEK KICKS OFF SUNDAY…FIRE SAFETY ADVOCATES SAYS ONE OF THEIR BIG CONCERNS IS A PROPOSAL TO LEGALIZE CONSUMER FIREWORKS IN ILLINOIS.

CURRENTLY…ONLY NOVELTY FIREWORKS LIKE SPARKLERS ARE LEGAL IN ILLINOIS. BUT SOME ARE PUSHING TO CHANGE THAT. ILLINOIS FIRE SERVICES ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT STEVE IOVINELLI (ivan-nelly) SAYS THEY HAVE SEVERAL CONCERNS INCLUDING THE POTENTIAL FOR INJURY…AND THE THREAT OF CRIMINALS USING POWERFUL FIREWORKS. HE SAYS THAT WAS THE CASE IN NEW YORK IN 2010 WHEN A THREAT WAS DISCOVERED IN TIMES SQUARE…AND IN THE BOSTON MARATHON BOMBINGS.

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PROPONENTS OF LETTING PEOPLE BUY HIGHER GRADE FIREWORKS SAYS THOSE THAT ENJOY SETTING THEM OFF ARE TRAVELING TO OTHER STATES AND BRINGING THEM BACK HERE, COSTING ILLINOIS A LOSS IN VALUABLE SALES TAX REVENUE.

STATE PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICIALS ARE CONFIRMING ILLINOIS’ FIRST CASE OF THE MEASLES THIS YEAR.

ONLY 10 CASES OF THE MEASLES HAVE BEEN REPORTED IN ILLINOIS OVER THE PAST FIVE YEARS, SO THIS NEW CASE IS SIGNIFICANT SAYS PUBLIC HEALTH DIRECTOR NIRAV SHAH. HE NOTES THIS UNDERSCORES THE NEED FOR PARENTS TO MAKE SURE THEY GET THEIR KIDS VACCINATED.

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THE PERSON AFFECTED IS FROM SUBURBAN COOK COUNTY AND BECAME ILL EARLIER THIS MONTH. MEASLES IS HIGHLY CONTAGIOUS BUT SHAH SAYS THE VACCINE IS VERY EFFECTIVE.

The National Weather Service in Lincoln has continued their Winter Storm Warning and Winter Weather Advisory for all of Central Illinois thru 9 o'clock tonight.

The Weather Service says the Winter Storm Warning for 4 to 6 inches then blowing snow late this afternoon into tonight, continues until 9 o'clock tonight north of a line from Quincy to Lincoln to Danville.

South of that line, 2 to 4 inches are expected, also with blowing snow late this afternoon into tonight.

Travel will be difficult in many areas today and tonight. Motorists are urged to use caution when traveling today.

Stay tuned to Regional Radio and check our on-line daily newspaper for the latest weather, cancellations and road conditions.

Over 90 people attended Saturday night's annual banquet of the Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce. This year, the event was held at the Clinton Country Club.

Incoming Chamber president Ryan Utterback said the biggest achievement of the year for the organization, was the re-opening of its biggest fund-raiser, Terror on Washington Street, after a new sprinkler system was installed this summer.

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Outgoing directors were then recognized. Those leaving the Clinton Chamber board include Amanda Ferguson from The Loft, Vicki Morrow from the State Bank of Lincoln, and Randal J. Miller from WHOW/WEZC and dewittdailynews-dot-com.

The 2015 Clinton Chamber student board members, who were also in attendance Saturday night, include from the left: Junior Alek McMath, junior Macy Dillow, and sophomore Madison Bruss.

19 different auction items provided by local Clinton businesses were then auctioned off, first by Randal J. Miller from WHOW/WEZC radio until auctioneer Lance Schmid arrived. Proceeds from auction items benefit the Chamber's operations.

Following dinner, The Murder Mystery Company of Bloomington-Normal presented a dinner theater presentation called “Murder at the Masquerade” which included participation by those in attendance to answer the question “who done it.”

The National Weather Service in Lincoln has issued a Winter Storm Watch for the Regional Radio listening area, for Saturday night into Sunday.

The Weather Service says that while precipitation on Saturday afternoon will mainly be rain, it will switch over to snow across central and southeast Illinois during the evening, and continue in many areas overnight into Sunday.

Accumulations totals of 6 to 9 inches will be possible, with the higher totals north of I-74.

Gusty north to northwest winds of up to 35 mph Sunday afternoon and evening could cause some blowing and drifting of the snow.

A local organization aimed at helping abused children is gearing up for their biggest night of the year.

February 21 the Children's Advocacy Center's Blue Kids Benefit will take place in uptown Normal and Executive Director, Judy Brucker indicates it is their premier event for the year. She explains the Uptown Normal Marriott fills up with guests that support their efforts and features silent and live auctions and a dinner.

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For the Children's Advocacy Center, the Blue Kids Benefit helps them close the gap between funds they receive in grants, federal and state dollars and donation. Brucker indicates the funds raised in years past has allowed to make needed upgrades to equipment at all their locations and increase programming.

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The support of the community is what makes the event succesful for the Children's Advocacy Center and Brucker feels they are fortunate to have support from all of their service areas. She explains as a part of the event, local residents are encouraged to be 'table hosts', and this year DeWitt County will be well represented at the event.

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The event is February 21 with doors opening at 5 pm.

Auction items includes a trip to Ireland, Trip to Africa (no airfares included, but full lodging for a week), hot air balloon ride, handmade cradle, glamping experience (glamourous camping), wine dinner for six at Baxter's American Grille, personal visit to your children by Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus, ISU Tailgate party.

Tickets are $65 per person and benefits the Children's Advocacy Centers. For further details about reservations, contact Brucker at the Children's Advocacy Center by callign 309-888-5656.

The Marriott has reserved a block of rooms at their hotel for the event at a special rate. As a part of the $129 rate, they will donate back $10 for each room booked for that evening.

The Dr. John Warner Hospital in Clinton continues their search for management of the city-owned hospital.

According to interim-CEO Rex McKinney, the hospital has narrowed down their search to a couple firms and he calls the Board's search "dilligent" with no imminent decision near.

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McKinney says having a management firm operate the hospital can be of great advantage for them. He explains management firms have a great deal of resources to keep up on the latest in regulations and technololgy and even access to additional programming.

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McKinney stresses the Board has no decisions made and continues to evaluate all their options. He notes they plan to keep the community informed as the evaluation process plays out.

Former New York Mets general manager Omar Minaya is joining the Major League Baseball Players Association staff as a senior advisor to executive director Tony Clark.

Minaya spent the past three years with the San Diego Padres as a senior vice president of baseball operations.

The 56-year-old Minaya will focus on the areas of domestic game development and international affairs and play.

Minaya became baseball's first Hispanic general manager when the Montreal Expos hired him in 2002. From 2005-10, he was the Mets' GM.

>>Werth To Serve Five Days In Jail

(Fairfax, VA) -- Washington Nationals outfielder Jayson Werth will serve a five-day jail sentence. Werth has pleaded guilty to reckless driving after Fairfax County Police say they clocked him doing at least 105 miles-per-hour in a 55 mile-per-hour zone last summer. He had been sentenced to ten days in jail last month, but appealed the case and decided to enter a guilty plea. Werth was driving his Porsche on the Capital Beltway at the time of the incident.

Ryan Palmer is alone atop the leaderboard at the Waste Management Phoenix Open as play was suspended due to darkness. Palmer fired a seven-under 64 in Thursday's opening round. Tiger Woods posted a plus-two 73 in the first round of his first official event since last year's PGA Championship. Keegan Bradley and Bubba Watson share second place at six-under. Three-time winner Phil Mickelson carded a minus-two and is in a large group tied for 29th. Nine players were still on the course when play was called. They will complete their first rounds on Friday at 10:00 a.m. Eastern, with the second round starting as scheduled at 9:30 a.m.

(Glendale, AZ) -- Super Bowl 49 is just days away. The defending champion Seattle Seahawks play the New England Patriots Sunday at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. The Seahawks are seeking their second straight Lombardi Trophy after beating the Denver Broncos 43-8 in last year's championship game at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. It's the third Super Bowl appearance overall for Seattle, which lost 21-10 to the Pittsburgh Steelers in February 2006 in Detroit. Led by quarterback Russell Wilson, running back Marshawn Lynch and a vaunted defense known as the "Legion of Boom," the Seahawks are trying to become the first repeat champion since the Patriots won back-to-back Super Bowls in February of 2004 and 2005. New England is in the big game for a record-tying eighth time and the sixth time under head coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady. The Patriots are 3-and-4 in the Super Bowl all-time, including 3-and-2 in the Belichick-Brady era. If Brady and the Patriots win on Sunday, he would tie the 49ers' Joe Montana and Steelers' Terry Bradshaw for the most Super Bowl victories by a quarterback with four.

>>Goodell To Give Annual Pre-Super Bowl Address Today

(Phoenix, AZ) -- NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell will give his annual pre-Super Bowl state of the league address today at 1 p.m. Eastern. He's expected to comment on "Deflate-gate" for the first time and the investigation into the under-iNFLated footballs used by the Patriots in the AFC championship against the Colts. The Patriots won the game 45-7 to advance to Super Bowl 49. Goodell is also likely to be asked about the uncooperative press conferences this week by Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch, and whether he'll be fined for wearing his "Beast Mode" brand hat without league approval. Other topics are expected to include officiating, potential rule changes, the London Series, and possible relocation of the St. Louis Rams or Oakland Raiders to Los Angeles.

>>Seahawks' Sherman Has Baby Plan In Place

(Phoenix, AZ) -- Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman is getting ready to be a new dad, but he's hoping to win another Super Bowl first. His girlfriend is expected to give birth to the couple's first child next week. Sherman says she is with him in Arizona and will give birth at a Phoenix hospital if she goes into labor before the big game. Asked if he would miss the game for the birth of his son, Sherman said he's confident it won't come to that but he'll cross that bridge if he gets to it. The Seahawks play the Patriots in Super Bowl 49 Sunday night in Glendale, Arizona.

>>Lynch's Beast Mode Gear A Hot Seller

(Scottsdale, AZ) -- Whatever Marshawn Lynch might be fined, he'll likely more than make up for sales of his "Beast Mode" clothing line. The Seattle Seahawks running back is selling hats, shirts and other items at the Beast Mode Pop Up Shop inside a juice store in Scottsdale, Arizona. Much of the gear with the multicolored "BM" logo has been selling out. Lynch has worn the hat three straight days at Super Bowl media appearances this week and even mentioned his online website. Already fined multiple times for not talking to reporters, he could now be fined for wearing and promoting a non-league-approved brand.

>>Testimony Expected To Begin In Hernandez Trial

(Boston, MA) -- The trial for former New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez is underway, with opening statements wrapping up Thursday. Prosecutor Patrick Blomberg brought forth DNA evidence, saying a joint and shell casing place the former NFL star at the murder scene. Hernandez's defense team took a different approach, calling prosecutors "sloppy and unprofessional." His team went on to say that DNA evidence does not prove that Hernandez killed, conspired to kill or wanted to kill the victim, Odin Lloyd. Under Massachusetts law, prosecutors do not have to prove Hernandez committed the murder, but they must prove that he "knowingly participated" and did so "with intent required to commit the crime."

>>NFL Data: Concussion Rate On Decline

(Phoenix, AZ) -- The number of concussions in the NFL is on the decline. The league has released data showing 111 reported concussions during the 2014 regular season. That's a 25-percent decrease from the 148 concussions in 2013 and a 36-percent decline from the year before when there were 173. League officials attribute the decrease to greater awareness of potential symptoms and rule changes focused on preventing hits to the neck and head.

>>NY Giants WR Sets "One Handed Catch Record"

New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. has set a world record for one-handed catches in a minute.

Guinness World Records had set the benchmark in the newly established category at 10 catches, spokeswoman Jamie Panas Antoniou said.

Beckham had a star-making rookie season in which the electric receiver built a reputation for making spectacular catches, including an acrobatic one-handed grab during a Nov. 23 game against the Dallas Cowboys that some have called the best in league history.

The first-round draft pick had 91 receptions for 1,305 yards and 12 touchdowns in 12 games, earning a trip to the Pro Bowl.

Hendrick Motorsports revealed on Thursday that Chase Elliott will take over driving duties of the No. 24 Chevrolet full- time in the Sprint Cup Series, starting with the 2016 season.

Last week, Jeff Gordon announced that 2015 will be his last season competing for a championship in NASCAR's premier series. Gordon, a four-time series champion, has driven the No. 24 car for team owner Rick Hendrick since November 1992.

Elliott is the son of Bill Elliott, who is scheduled to be inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame on Friday. The 19-year-old Elliott won the championship in the Xfinity Series (formerly known as the Nationwide Series) last year, doing so in his rookie season asdriver of the No. 9 Chevrolet for JR Motorsports. He became the youngest driver ever to win a title in one of NASCAR's three national touring series.

Hendrick announced the news of Elliott driving the No. 24 next year during the team's season kickoff employee event on Thursday morning.

(Champaign, IL) -- Illinois and Penn State meet tomorrow at the State Farm Center. Tip-off is at noon. The Fighting Illini are coming off a 79-71 loss at Minnesota last Saturday. Illinois is 13-and-8 overall and 3-and-5 in the Big Ten. The Nittany Lions come in at 14-and-7 and 2-and-6.

>>UCLA Upsets Utah

Norman Powell scored 23 points to help UCLA remain unbeaten at home in Pac-12 play and knock off No. 11 Utah, 69-59.

The Bruins lost three players to the first round of the NBA draft in 2014 and haven't been able to replace the productivity that Kyle Anderson, Jordan Adams and Zach LaVine provided. They are in the midst of one of the worst seasons in recent memory, thoughThursday's upset over Utah was certainly a step in the right direction.

Bryce Alford had 14 points and seven assists and Isaac Hamilton scored 11 for UCLA, which exacted revenge from an embarrassing 71-39 loss to Utah on Jan. 4. Alford went scoreless on 0-for-10 shooting in that game.

UCLA (12-9, 4-4 Pac-12) snapped its two-game losing skid.

Delon Wright and Brandon Taylor gave 15 and 14 points, respectively, for the Utes (16-4, 6-2), who may have lost more than a game. Freshman center Jakob Poeltl, one of the best young 7-footers in college basketball, left the game with an apparent foot injury.

Russell had 18 points, 14 rebounds and six assists as Ohio State easily knocked off No. 16 Maryland 80-56 on Thursday night for its 103rd win at home since 2009.

That's the most in the country by a healthy margin over national powerhouses Kentucky and Syracuse.

Russell continued to impress, making half of his 12 shots and four 3-pointers on the heels of being named Big Ten Player of the Week after scoring 55 points in wins over Northwestern and nationally-ranked Indiana.

Marc Loving led the Buckeyes (17-5, 6-3) with 19 points, making all five of his 3s, and Jae'Sean Tate scored 16.

(Durham, NC) -- Junior guard Rasheed Sulaimon is no longer a member of the Duke men's basketball team. Head coach Mike Krzyzewski said that Sulaimon has consistently not lived up to program standards. Sulaimon started 50 games in his first two seasons, and played in all 20 games so far this year. He was coming off the bench this season after the additions of freshmen Tyus Jones and Justise Winslow. Duke will visit second-ranked Virginia on Saturday.

(St. Louis, MO) -- Kevin Shattenkirk potted the winning goal in the shootout as the Blues slipped past the Predators 5-4 at Scottrade Center. T.J. Oshie and Steve Ott scored just 26 seconds apart during a four-goal second period for the Blues, who have won three in-a-row and eight of their last nine overall. Jaden Schwartz and Ryan Reaves also lit the lamp and Brian Elliott made 33 saves in the victory. Mike Fisher had two goals and an assist, while Filip Forsberg and James Neal also tallied for Nashville, which has dropped three of four. Carter Hutton stopped 31 shots, but allowed two goals on four shootout attempts for the loss.

>>Canadiens Blank Rangers

(New York, NY) -- Max Pacioretty's [[ PATCH-or-ETT-ee ]] goal with just over four minutes left in the third period lifted the Canadiens to a 1-0 win over the Rangers at Madison Square Garden. Pacioretty's 22nd tally of the year was assisted by Dale Weise [[ weece ]] and Alexei Emelin. Carey Price stopped all 24 shots he faced. Montreal has won four straight. New York was 0-for-2 on the power play. Henrik Lundqvist allowed the only goal on 26 shots. The Blueshirts have lost two in-a-row.

(Anaheim, CA) -- The Blackhawks resume their seven-game trek tonight in Anaheim against the Ducks. Chicago has split the first two games on the trip following a 4-3 loss in Los Angeles on Wednesday. The 'Hawks sit at 30-16-and-2 on the season. The Ducks are 32-11-and-6 after last night's 6-3 loss at San Jose.

(Los Angeles, CA) -- Jordan Hill racked up 26 points and 12 rebounds as the Lakers edged the Bulls 123-118 in double-overtime at STAPLES Center. Wayne Ellington added 23 points for the Lakers, who put an end to their nine-game losing streak. Jordan Clarkson chipped in with 18 points and Carlos Boozer had 16 points and eight boards off the bench in the victory. All-Star Jimmy Butler dropped in a game-high 35 points for Chicago, which has lost two of three. Fellow All-Star and former Laker Pau Gasol posted 20 points, 10 boards, six assists and four blocks in his return to LA. Gasol spent the previous six-plus seasons with the Lakers.

(Undated) -- The NBA is announcing the reserves for the 2015 All-Star Game. The Eastern Conference features three Hawks with guard Jeff Teague, forward Paul Millsap and center Al Horford all earning the honor. They will be joined by Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving, Bulls guard Jimmy Butler, Heat big man Chris Bosh and Heat guard Dwyane Wade. A replacement will be needed for the injured Wade and it's expected to be either Bucks guard Brandon Knight or Hawks forward Kyle Korver. The Western Conference is headlined by Thunder teammates Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. Also playing for the West will be Warriors guard Klay Thompson, Clippers guard Chris Paul, Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge and Spurs big man Tim Duncan. The West still needs a replacement for Kobe Bryant, who was voted in by the fans. The 2015 All-Star Game is Sunday, February 15th at Madison Square Garden.

Bradley University basketball player Warren Jones has been arrested at a Peoria strip club on misdemeanor charges of obstruction of identification and criminal trespass.

Reports indicate the 20-year-old Jones was arrested at an adult establishment in Peoria called Big Al's early Thursday and booked into the Peoria County Jail. The jail reports that he was released a few hours later after posting $160. Fellow team member Ka'Darryl Bell was issued a citation.

In a statement, team head coach Geno Ford called the students' actions "unacceptable." He said the school will follow disciplinary procedures but did not elaborate.

This Saturday, the community can come out for a few hours and get introduced to the man that will replace the leader of the Clinton Schools.

Dr. Jeff Holmes announced his retirement last year, and after a long search, the Board of Education has announced the hiring of Curt Nettles. Dr. Holmes says Nettles in an up-and-coming Superintendent who will be in Clinton Saturday afternoon for a meet and greet with the community.

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The gathering is this Saturday from 1 pm to 3 pm in the Clinton Jr. High School Library.

While it won't be Nor'easter, central Illinois is bracing for the most significant snowfall of the season this weekend.

An expected 5 to 8 inches could fall in parts of the area between Saturday night and Sunday. As residents brace for the coming weather, local authorities are encouraging you take some basic safety measures. Clinton Police Chief Ben Lowers says there's some things you'll want in your car in the event you get caught in the expected depths of snow.

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Getting to and from necessary destinations, such as work or appointments, becomes a top priority for anyone during snow events and curiosity about road conditions peaks. According to Chief Lowers, during these events your contact should not be the dispatch center for DeWitt County. He says there are other sources available to keep you up to date on the latest road conditions.

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Being Super Bowl weekend, the Chief recognizes traffic will likely increase as you gather for various parties and get-togethers, he says if the snow does come as it is being projected to take your time getting to your location. He advises slowing down and giving plenty of distance between you and the vehicle in front of you and to begin your stops earlier than you might normally.

Governor Bruce Rauner is talking about themes familiar to the primary campaign.

He talked of so called right to work zones in Illinois during a stop at Decatur's Richland Community College. He says giving local cities and municipalities the right to choose whether they force their employees to unionize is a good place to start.

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Rauner believes taking a workers right to join a union, or not, out of the state’s control could mean thousands of new jobs in Illinois.

With talk of "right to work zones", Rauner says it shows he is not advocating that Illinois become a right to work state. He says communities, especially those suffering from high unemployment, could put in right to work zones, or what he calls employee empowerment zones. Rauner says neighbors like Indiana, and Michigan, as well as Tennessee, and Texas are taking jobs from Illinois because they don't have forced unionization.

Richland Community College invested in the education of children recently and pleased to announce the opening of their expanded facility.

The RCC Children's Education Center recently remodeled their facilities in order to serve greater numbers children throughout the day. Kim Brummet with the Education Center, says exciting features of the new facility includes new gym equipment which provides students with esthetics activities during the day.

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The Center is dedicated to providing children ages 2-5 with the necessary skills to succeed during their school years. According to Brummet, they provide their students with the opportunity to earn classroom teaching experience in order to prepare them for careers in teaching.

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The expansion has allowed them to increase their enrollment into their programs. Brummet believes the space is user friendly and gives kids the opportunities to explore while learning.

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The newly expanded center opened in October, but January marked its first full semester of operation.

There is a great deal of enrollment flexibility for parents and it is not necessary for your to be a student at Richland to enroll your kids into the program.

For more information on the facility or enrollment, you can visit the Center's page at www.richland.edu or call 217-875-7211 ext. 319.

Reflecting on his first year as the lead of the Clinton Police Department, Chief Ben Lowers believes it was a good first year.

The first year Police Chief says while there was a lot of crime they did deal with, he felt as though they dealt with it effectively and were pleased many of their cases were able to make it to the court system. Chief Lowers points to social media as one of the effective crime fighting tools they were able to tap into in his first year.

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The Police Department Facebook page was a huge hit and it was no more evident than last summer when the department introduced a program to promote children wearing bike helmets and a post officially went viral.

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According to Chief Lowers, the Facebook page goes beyond promoting what is going on within the department. He explains it has become a great tip-line to the public. Users can submit information privately and the Chief feels that has been a great utility to them receiving information in return from the public.

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Other successes the Chief points to from his first year were the promotion of a few officers and hirings thanks to his promotion leaving positions vacant.

He notes they have also been able to begin revamping their fleet of vehicles with the recent purchase a few new department cars.

He also feels the rejuvenated coordination between the Clinton PD, the Sheriff's office and CrimeStoppers has paid dividends through things like "The Crime of the Week" spots heard throughout the day on WHOW/WEZC/dewittdailynews.com.

(St. Louis, MO) -- The Convention and Visitors Commission says it will take a "spectacular effort" to keep the Rams in St. Louis. Chairman Andrew Leonard made the comment at Wednesday's meeting, saying there is no question in his mind that the Rams would rather be in Los Angeles.

>>Rams' Long Defends Patriots Over "Deflategate"

(Undated) -- Rams defensive end Chris Long is defending the Patriots over the whole "Deflategate" scandal. In an essay for The Player's Tribune, Long scolds the NFL for its handling of the incident. He also goes on to slam the media, specifically ESPN, for sensationalizing its impact for ratings.

>>Rinse, Repeat For Lynch With Super Bowl Reporters

(Phoenix, AZ) -- It's rinse, repeat for Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch when dealing with reporters at the Super Bowl. For the second straight day, Lynch gave a simple short answer to each question during Wednesday's media availability. Lynch has a well-documented aversion to speaking to reporters. At Super Bowl Media Day on Tuesday, the star running back simply replied, "I'm only here so I don't get fined" to roughly 30 questions. Lynch has been fined several times in the past for not making himself available to reporters, which is required by the NFL. Also for the second straight day, Lynch wore his personal "Beast Mode" logo hat. That could lead to a fine as well as the NFL does not allow players to promote or wear brands that aren't approved and might coNFLict with official sponsors.

>>Marshawn Lynch Answers Questions In Skittles Promo

(Undated) -- Marshawn Lynch is finally opening up. In a new Skittles promo, Seattle's usually press-shy running back steps up to the mic to answer a few questions from his favorite candy makers. Lynch also revealed that he prefers to watch cat videos over dog videos, and that he doesn't wish the football field was twice as long just so he can get a 200-yard rushing touchdown. He says he's just fine with 100. Lynch made headlines on Super Bowl media day in Phoenix, Arizona this week when he answered every reporter's question with the line, "I'm just here so I don't get fined." He and his Seattle Seahawks teammates are set to take on the New England Patriots in Super Bowl 49 this Sunday.

>>Patriots, Seahawks Continue Super Bowl Prep

(Phoenix, AZ) -- The Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots continue to prepare for Super Bowl 49. Both teams practiced Wednesday as they get set to meet for the Lombardi Trophy this Sunday at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Seahawks are the defending champions after beating the Denver Broncos 43-8 in last year's outdoor, cold weather game in New Jersey. Seattle head coach Pete Carroll says Wednesday's practice is where the routine starts to feel familiar again. Patriots quarterback Tom Brady is dealing with a bit of a cold, but says he expects to be fine come game-time on Sunday. This will be the sixth Super Bowl appearance for Brady, who is 3-and-2 in the big game. The Seahawks are trying to become the first team to repeat since the Pats did it ten years ago.

>>NBC Sells Out Super Bowl Ad Space

(Undated) -- NBC is declaring ad space for this year's Super Bowl officially sold out. And at a record four-and-a-half-million-dollars per 30-second spot, the network is pulling in some big bucks this year. NBC executives say they're particularly pleased with ad sales in the digital platform sharing in a Wednesday conference call that they've tripled revenue in the platform from NBC's prior Super Bowl in 2012. The network says this Sunday's Super Bowl will see about 15 new advertisers, noting strong buys from malt beverage companies, insurance, soft drinks, fast food chains and gaming and apps this year. On the flip side of the coin, NBC says ad buys for car companies, wireless and other technology companies were slightly underwhelming.

The Chicago White Sox are bringing back infielder Gordon Beckham. The two sides have agreed to a one-year, two-million-dollar contract. The 28-year-old was traded by the White Sox to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on August 21st last season. Beckham hit a combined .226 with 27 doubles, nine homers and 44 RBI in 127 games. He is a career .245 hitter with 63 homers in six big league seasons. To make room on the roster, the White Sox have designated outfielder Dayan Viciedo [[ vee-see-AYE-doh ]] for assignment. He hit .231 with 21 home runs and 58 RBI in 145 games last season.

>>Freese, Angels Avoid Arbitration

The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and infielder David Freese avoided arbitration, agreeing to terms on a one-year contract Wednesday.

No financial terms were provided by the team, but multiple sources indicate that $6.425 million was the agreed-upon figure.

Freese batted .260 and posted 10 home runs, 25 doubles and 55 RBI over 134 games with the Halos last season.

A World Series winner with the Cardinals in 2011, the 31-year-old right-handed hitter and Texas native is a lifetime .280 hitter who has collected 54 homers, 106 doubles and drove in 292 runs over 600 games in six MLB seasons.

>>Braves Ink Cuban OF To Four Year Deal

The Atlanta Braves have agreed to terms with Cuban free-agent outfielder Dian Toscano on a four-year major league contract with a club option for 2019.

The deal was formally confirmed by Major League Baseball on Wednesday and financial terms were not announced.

Toscano hit .356 with a .440 on-base percentage and a .452 slugging percentage during the 2012-13 season for Villa Clara in Cuba's Serie Nacional, considered the premier league in Cuba.

To make room for Toscano on the 40-man roster, the Braves designated outfielder Jose Constanza for assignment. Constanza received just four at-bats with Atlanta in 2014.

(Los Angeles, CA) -- Jake Muzzin scored the go-ahead goal with 3:37 left in regulation as the Kings clipped the Blackhawks 4-3 at STAPLES Center. Tyler Toffoli tallied the tying score with 6:11 left in the third period. Jeff Carter scored the other two goals and added an assist for the Kings, who snapped a four-game skid. Jonathan Quick made 26 saves in the victory. Patrick Kane, Patrick Sharp and Andrew Shaw lit the lamp for Chicago, which had won its previous two. Corey Crawford allowed four goals on 27 shots in defeat.

(St. Louis, MO) -- The Blues finally return from the All-Star break tonight when they welcome Nashville to Scottrade Center. St. Louis won its last two games before the break and seven of its previous eight overall. With 62 points, the Blues are five behind the Predators for first place in the Central Division.

(Los Angeles, CA) -- The Bulls continue their six-game road trip tonight in Los Angeles against the Lakers. Chicago opened the trek with a 113-111 overtime win over the Warriors on Tuesday in Oakland. The Bulls are now 30-and-17 on the season. The Lakers, who are without Kobe Bryant for the rest of the season, have lost nine straight to dip to 12-and-34.

>>Bulls' Mirotic Named To Rising Stars Challenge

(New York, NY) -- The NBA Rising Stars Challenge rosters are out. In a new format, 20 players will take part in the game as members of either the U.S. Team or World Team. Chicago's Nikola Mirotic will compete on the World squad. The game will be played at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on February 13th, two days before the All-Star Game.

>>Knicks Sink Thunder

(New York, NY) -- Carmelo Anthony put up 31 points and 10 rebounds leading the Knicks to a 100-92 win against the Thunder at Madison Square Garden. Langston Galloway continued his strong play tallying 18 with four assists and four rebounds, while Lance Thomas came off the bench to score 17 versus his former team. New York has won four of five. Oklahoma City was without Kevin Durant, who missed his second straight game with a toe injury. Russell Westbrook tried to pick up the Thunder, going off for 40 points on 30 shots. Serge Ibaka added 10 and 10 rebounds for OKC, which has lost three of four.

DeVaughn Akoon-Purcell scored 20 points, hauled in a career-high 12 rebounds and led Illinois State to a 67-57 win over Missouri State on Wednesday night.

Daishon Knight contributed 14 points and Reggie Lynch added 12 for Illinois State (13-8, 5-4 Missouri Valley), which shot 44 percent from the floor on 55 attempts and controlled the boards 36-26. Akoon-Purcell sank all eight of his shots from the free throw line and his 20 points tied a career best.

Leading by three at the break, Illinois State opened the second with a 9-2 run capped by Knight's 3-pointer to make it 37-27 with 17:40 to play and held on the rest of the way. Buckets from Missouri State's Chris Kendrix twice cut the gap to seven in the final 2:22.

Camyn Boone led Missouri State (8-13, 2-7) with 13 points and Christian Kirk added 10 as the Bears lost their seventh straight.

>>Drake Tops Bradley

Reed Timmer and Gary Ricks Jr. each scored 15 points to help Drake roll to a 69-57 victory over Bradley on Wednesday night.

Timmer was 6 of 10 from the floor and Ricks made 5 of 12 shots, including 4 of 9 from long range. Jacob Enevold Jensen chipped in 14 points and Karl Madison dished out five assists for Drake (5-16, 2-7 Missouri Valley), which shot 55.6 percent from the field.

The Bulldogs had a 41-31 halftime lead and stretched it to 54-39 on Ricks' 3-pointer with 14:09 remaining. Auston Barnes hit a 3 to pull Bradley within 58-51 with 7:37 left, but the Braves did not get closer.

Fred VanVleet scored a career-high 27 points to lead No. 12 Wichita State to a 58-47 win over Loyola on Wednesday night.

Ron Baker added 16 points as the Shockers (19-2, 9-0 Missouri Valley) shot just 41 percent from the floor and 43 percent from the free throw line. VanVleet and Baker were a combined 16 of 28 from the floor. The rest of the team was 6 of 26.

Devon Turk scored nine points for Loyola (13-8, 3-6), which was held to its lowest scoring output of the season.

Wichita State's shooting struggles started right away. The Shockers had 17 shots in the game's first eight minutes but made just four of them, including a VanVleet 3-pointer for a 10-6 lead.

With Wichita State unable to convert shots, the Ramblers stayed close. Jeff White's baseline drive and layup gave Loyola a 16-15 lead with 6:03 remaining in the half.

>>Purdue Blasts #21 Indiana

(West Lafayette, IN) -- Rapheal Davis dropped in 19 points as Purdue blasted 21st-ranked Indiana 83-67 in West Lafayette. A.J. Hammons and Bryson Scott scored 11 points apiece for the Boilermakers, who moved to 13-and-8 on the season and 5-and-3 in Big Ten play. Yogi Ferrell netted a game-high 21 points for the Hoosiers, who slipped to 15-and-6 and 5-and-3. James Blackmon Jr. added 13 points in defeat.

>>#8 Notre Dame Upsets #4 Duke

(South Bend, IN) -- Jerian Grant racked up 23 points, 12 assists and six rebounds to lead eighth-ranked Notre Dame to a 77-73 upset win over fourth-ranked Duke in South Bend. Pat Connaughton chipped in with 13 points and 12 boards for the Fighting Irish, who have won five in-a-row to improve to 20-and-2 on the season and 8-and-1 in the ACC. Zach Auguste added 14 points and six boards in the victory. Jahill Okafor recorded 22 points and 17 rebounds to pace the Blue Devils, who slipped to 17-and-3 and 4-and-3. Quinn Cook had 15 points and Tyus Jones scored 14 in defeat.

Recent decisions made by Washington could affect Social Security payments according to a local organization.

Social Security funds go towards various groups of people. A shortfall in disability Social Security has been predicted for 2016, and money can be redirected within the social security umbrella when a shortage is predicted. According to Lynn Scoville, Executive Director of the DeWitt County Human Resource Center, only eighty percent of funds have been projected to be distributed to recipients.

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Congress recently decided not to allow reallocation of Social Security funds. Because of that, it will have a greater impact on disability recipients as opposed to retirement recipients. Scovill points out disability beneficiaries receive their funds for a reason and need the support that money provide.

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The rule for fund allocating will remain in effect until a new Congress is seated in 2016.

AHW LLC announced earlier this week an agreement to purchase Heath’s, Inc. John Deere in Monticello this coming February.

The details for the purchase are currently being finalized.

In a news release, Chad Braden, Chief Operating Officer for AHW LLC says farmer’sand ag professionals will have more resources, more technology and more access toparts inventory than ever before.

He feels they can serve the Monticello market in bigger and better ways.

Over the past two years, AHW has become one of the strongest and best-resourcedJohn Deere implement dealers in the Midwest. The company will now have a total ofthirteen locations serving Illinois and Indiana.

AHW says Heath’s customers "really won’t see anything different in theMonticello store except for the new AHW sign."

(Washington, DC) -- Xavier picked up an important Big East victory by going on the road and dumping number-22 Georgetown, 66-53, at the Verizon Center. Myles Davis led the way, posting 19 points and five assists for the Musketeers, who improved to 14-and-7 overall and 5-and-4 in conference. D'Vauntes Smith-Rivera tallied 13 points on 14 shots in the defeat. The Hoyas fell to 14-and-6 and 6-and-3.

(Nashville, TN) -- Two Vanderbilt football players are waiting sentencing after a jury found both guilty of rape. A Nashville jury found Cory Batey and Brandon Vandenburg guilty of all charges in a June 2013 campus rape. Two other defendants are still awaiting their trials. Sentencing is scheduled for March.

Ross, 25, posted a 3-6 record and a 6.20 earned run average over 27 appearances (four starts) last season.

Over three seasons with the Rangers, Ross owns a 13-8 record with a 3.98 ERA and 156 strikeouts in 150 games.

Ranaudo, 25, made his major league debut with the Red Sox last season and went 4-3 with a 4.81 ERA over seven starts.

The right-hander spent most of last season with Triple-A Pawtucket, where he compiled a 14-4 record with a 2.61 ERA and 11 strikeouts. He was named the International League's most valuable player after leading the league in wins, ERA and opponent batting average (.223).

(Chicago, IL) -- The Blackhawks will be back from the All-Star break to face the Kings tonight. The contest is the opener of a six-game road trip for Chicago, which will also visit Anaheim, San Jose, Minnesota, Winnipeg and St. Louis on the trek. The puck drops at 9:30.

>>Isles Cruise Past Rangers

(Uniondale, NY) -- Jaroslav Halak denied 40 of the 41 shots he faced to lead the Islanders to a 4-1 win over the Rangers at Nassau Coliseum. Mikhail Grabovski, Matt Martin, Ryan Strome and John Taveras had the goals for the Isles, who have won all three meetings with the rival Rangers this season. Carl Hagelin scored with 8.1 seconds left to end the shutout for the Blueshirts, who have been outscored 13-4 by the Isles this year. Henrik Lundqvist allowed all four goals on 38 shots in the setback.

(St. Louis, MO) -- Blues goalie Martin Brodeur [[ mar-TAN bro-DURE ]] is calling it a career. The 42-year-old will formally retire tomorrow, but stay on with the team in a management role. The longtime Devils star signed with the Blues last month before taking a leave of absence to decide his future.

(St. Louis, MO) -- The Rams are scratching another offensive coordinator candidate off their list. Former Browns head coach Rob Chudzinski was considered a top choice, but will remain with the Colts after being promoted to associate head coach. Nathaniel Hackett will interview for the second time today.

>>Bears Make Flurry Of Moves

(Lake Forest, IL) -- The Bears made a flurry of moves yesterday. The team signed wide receiver John Chiles to a reserve/future contract, named Clint Hurtt outside linebackers coach, and announced that offensive quality control coaches Brendan Nugent and Carson Walch will not return for next season.

>>McCarthy's End Of Season Press Conference Set For Today

(Green Bay, WI) -- Packers head coach Mike McCarthy will hold his season-ending press conference today at Lambeau Field. The original press conference was postponed following the sudden death of McCarthy's brother Joe last week.

>>Rob Gronkowski Reads A Line From "A Gronking To Remember"

(Phoenix, AZ) -- New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski was a good sport on Super Bowl Media Day Tuesday, reading a line from the recently-surfaced erotic novel a fan wrote about him. Gronkowski told a reporter that he had heard of the novel, "A Gronking To Remember," adding that friends have been sending him excerpts from the book in recent weeks. Written by Lacey Noonan, the novel surfaced on Amazon earlier this month. "Gronk" chuckled through the line he read at Media Day in the Super Bowl's host city of Phoenix, Arizona, calling the book "pretty outrageous."

>>Marshawn Lynch Interview Antics Continue At Media Days

Marshawn Lynch became the star of Tuesday's Super Bowl XLIX Media Day by saying barely anything at all.

The notoriously interview-averse Seattle Seahawks running back did speak for nearly five minutes during his mandated press conference, but offered the same simple response to 29 questions he was asked.

"I'm just here so I won't get fined," Lynch repeatedly stated to a large assemblage of reporters.

Lynch did say something different at the end of his brief and awkward interaction. Four minutes and 51 seconds into the conference, the five-time Pro Bowl back picked up his phone and shouted "Time!" before proceeding to walk away from the podium.

ESPN had reported that Lynch would have been subjected to a $500,000 fine from the NFL had he not attended Tuesday's Media Day. The league previously fined him $100,000 back in November for repeated violations of its media policy, which included a refusal to speak with reporters following the Seahawks' loss at Kansas City in Week 11.

Lynch did take part in Media Day prior to last year's Super Bowl, also drawing considerable attention for some unusual antics.

He sat at his podium for several minutes before apparently vanishing, only to be seen moments later standing nearby wearing a hooded jacket and large black sunglasses.

Lynch later granted an interview to Hall of Fame cornerback and current NFL Network analyst Deion Sanders, in which he replied to a complement Sanders gave him on his appearance with an expletive.

The eight-year veteran also is required to partake in media sessions that will be held at the Seahawks' team hotel on Wednesday and Thursday.

>>Most Miserable NFL Fanbase

(Undated) -- The Motor City is still stewing over their controversial dismissal in the playoffs, turning the Detroit Lions' fanbase into the most miserable in the NFL. The Scripps National Desk has released a new survey that illustrates which NFL franchises have the most miserable fans dating back to the 60s. Detroit fans, who haven't seen a playoff victory since 1991, topped the list. The Buffalo Bills came in second, followed by the Cleveland Browns, Atlanta Falcons and the Chicago Bears. The Scripps NFL misery index looked at seven categories that relate to the performance of a city's NFL franchise or its quality of life.

Factors included the unemployment rate for the franchise's metropolitan area, the city's average temperature in January, number of Super Bowl titles and appearances along with postseason success. Scripps says the Dallas Cowboys, who were also eliminated from the playoffs on a controversial call, have the least amount of misery among their fanbase.

>>NFL To Air Anti-Domestic Violence PSA During Super Bowl

(Undated) -- The NFL is turning its attention to domestic violence in a chilling new Public Service Announcement that will air during Sunday's Super Bowl. The spot is said to be based on an actual 911 phone call in which a woman pretends to order a pizza to let the dispatcher know that she is in a dangerous situation in her home. Images show a home in disarray with dishes piled up in a sink, a crack in the wall, presumably from a punch, and a framed picture of a woman next to a trash can. The PSA ends with the message: "When it's hard to talk, it's up to us to listen." It's the latest in the NFL's "No More" campaign, which aims to help the efforts to end domestic violence and sexual assault. Unveiled online in its 60-second format Tuesday, "The Hollywood Reporter" says the PSA will air as a 30-second spot during the first quarter of the Super Bowl on Sunday.

Klay Thompson missed a runner as time expired in overtime and the Warriors took their second loss of the season at ORACLE Arena, 113-111, to the Bulls. Derrick Rose put Chicago ahead on a pull-up jumper with seven seconds left. Rose finished with 30 points on 33 shots and 11 turnovers to only one assist. Joakim Noah and Pau Gasol each put up 18 points as the Bulls won for the third time in four tries. The Warriors missed all 13 three-pointers they attempted after halftime. Thompson tallied 30 points with 10 rebounds, and is averaging 37.7 points over his last three games. Steph Curry added 21 points and nine assists, while David Lee posted for 24 points, nine boards and six helpers off the bench. The Warriors are 21-and-2 at home.

Illinois will play its annual spring football game on April 18, a Saturday night.

The team said in a news release Tuesday that admission to the annual Orange and Blue game will be free. The game will also be broadcast live at 5 p.m. on the Big Ten Network.

The Illini will open spring practices on March 14. The team will conduct practices away from campus on April 3 at Homewood-Flossmoor High School in Flossmoor and April 10 at Sacred Heart-Griffin High School in Springfield.

Illinois is coming off a 6-7 season that finished with a loss to Louisiana Tech in the Heart of Dallas Bowl.

Monticello held the fourth ranked team in the state to 40% shooting and under 20% beyond the arc, Zach Fisher logged his second double-double of the season and the Sages pulled off an improbably 54-50 upset of Warrensburg-Latham Cardinals in Monticelo Tuesday night.

Fisher had 14 points and ten rebounds and Noah Freemon added 10 points as the Sages used a balance offensive attack to pull out the win.

Warrensburg-Latham forced 16 turnovers and had four players score in double-figures but could not overcome a poor shooting and were completely dominated on the glass (36-24) en route to their first loss of the season.

Austin Hardin came off the bench to lead the Cardinals with 12 points. Austic Tucker, Garrett Shea, and Tyler Bond each added 10 points but only two other players recorded buckets.

The Sages improve to 13-3 on the season, while Warrensburg-Latham falls to 17-1.

Monticello gets back into Okaw Action Friday night when they head to St. Thomas More.

The reaction is pouring in from both sides of the debate about right to work after Governor Bruce Rauner dropped what some are calling a rhetorical bomb on employee unions in Illinois.

During a presentation in Decatur Rauner proposed what he called Employee Empowerment Zones. The idea would essentially create areas where regulations about mandating union membership for some employees would be lifted, though the specifics are lacking. Illinois News Network has more:

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Rauner’s announcement of the so-called right to work zones was the first mention of the issue he’s made as Governor. The governor also addressed the cost of employee health care premiums. Rauner is scheduled to delve more into these and other issues during his State of the State address February 4th and his Budget address a few weeks thereafter.

One local community has a simple request for it's citizens: Tell them what you think.

The City of Lincoln is seeking the opinions of it's citizens as they begin work on their strategic planning for their various departments. According to Lincoln Mayor Keith Snyder, a five-minute survey is available for the public to provide feedback on the services the city provides.

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For Mayor Snyder, the strategic planning process is about being proactive recognizing things that could become a potential problem in the future and producing a plan to deal with it before it becomes a problem.

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Gaining community input as the first part of this process is of utmost importance. According to Mayor Snyder, the commnity is a product of it's residents and citizens. He feels the community gives the City Council direction with what they think the most urgent need is.

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The Mayor hopes by the time the survey wraps up early next week, around 500 surveys will have been completed.

To complete the survey, visit lincolnil.org. Surveys can also be picked up at City Hall during regular business hours.

Friday night, Clinton High School inducted an alumni into their Wall of Honor.

Rachel Anderson Lyons was the lone inductee in 2015, and was recognized Friday night between JV and varsity basketball action. While honored, she hopes the recognition is because of more than just her athletic accolades.

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Anderson-Lyons was a star track athlete, and says all her relay accomplishments were her fondest. As a track star in both high school and college, Lyons attended Illinois Wesleyan University where her senior year, her four-by-four relay team experienced the ultimate success.

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Finding success in athletics wasn't Anderson-Lyons first priority in high school. She explains doing the same as young athletes seek out college opportunities is very important. She calls going to a Division-III school instead of a Division-I school was the best decision she made.

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At Clinton High School, Anderson-Lyons was a member of the National Honors Society, graduating in 2004. She graduated from IWU Cum Laude with a degree in Business Administration. She then went on to graduate from Midwestern University with a Doctorate of Pharmacy and is a Clinical Pharmacist at Advocate BroMenn Regional Medical Center.

Georges Niang scored 19 points and No. 15 Iowa State held off a furious rally from 19th- ranked Texas for an 89-86 victory in a Big 12 battle.

Bryce Dejean-Jones scored 18 points while Jameel McKay gave 14 off the bench for the Cyclones (15-4, 5-2 Big 12), who were coming off a loss to Texas Tech on Saturday.

Javan Felix had 20 points and eight assists, while Jonathan Holmes added 17 points and 10 rebounds for the Longhorns (14-6, 3-4), who have lost their past two games. Isaiah Taylor finished with 17 points with eight assists.

The Cincinnati Reds are locking up catcher Devin Mesoraco to a long-term deal. The two sides have avoided arbitration by agreeing to a four-year contract worth a reported 28-million-dollars. The 26-year-old was a first-time All-Star last season, batting .273 with 25 home runs and 80 RBI in just 114 games. Mesoraco was selected with the 15th overall pick in the 2007 draft. He's a career .245 hitter with 41 home runs in parts of four seasons with Cincinnati.

The Rams have informed the St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission that they will go year-to-year on their Edward Jones Dome lease. The move could pave the way for an eventual return to LA, where owner Stan Kroenke [[ KRONK-ee ]] has land for a potential new stadium.

>>Patriots' Kraft Talks "Deflategate"

(Phoenix, AZ) -- New England Patriots chairman and CEO Robert Kraft is speaking out about "Deflategate." Kraft says he believes they have not broken any rules. Kraft is confident the NFL's investigation will show the truth and the he expects an apology from the league if they are found not guilty of tampering with the footballs during the AFC Championship Game. The Pats have been under fire since it was revealed nearly all of their game balls were underiNFLated during their win over the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC title game. While the NFL is investigating, there still has been no explanation for the underiNFLation.

>>Raiders Re-Sign Woodson For 2015

(Alameda, CA) -- Safety Charles Woodson is returning for an 18th NFL season. The Raiders have re-signed the 38-year-old former Heisman Trophy winner for 2015. Woodson was set to become a free agent in March after re-signing with Oakland last year on a one-year deal. He recorded a career-high 113 tackles in 16 games, along with one sack, four interceptions and eight passes defensed. It was his second year back with the Raiders after seven seasons in Green Bay. Woodson was originally drafted by Oakland with the fourth-overall pick in 1998. He has 60 career interceptions and 20 sacks in 17 seasons.

(St. Louis, MO) -- The NHL All-Star break is over, but the Blues still have a few more days before their next game. They return to the rink Thursday night at home against Nashville. The Blues have won seven of their last eight games and have 62 points, three behind the Predators atop the Central Division.

>>Blackhawks Back In Action Friday

(Chicago, IL) -- The Blackhawks will return from the All-Star break and clash with the Kings on Friday. The affair is the opener of a six-game road trip for Chicago, which entered the break three points out of first place in the Central Division.

Johansen was selected as the First Star after being named -- by a fan vote on Twitter -- the MVP of the 2015 NHL All-Star Game in his home city. He had two goals and two assists for Team Foligno in a 17-12 loss to Team Toews.

Karlsson picked up the Second Star after scoring three goals in two games prior to the league's All-Star break.

The Bulls begin a six-game road trip against the Warriors tonight. Chicago is coming off Sunday's 96-84 loss to the Heat. The Bulls have dropped three-of-five to enter the trek 29-and-17 on the season. Tip-off tonight is at 9:30.

>>Report: Three-Point Contestants For NBA All-Star Weekend Set

(Undated) -- It will be a star-studded crew participating in the NBA's three-point shooting contest. Yahoo Sports reports the event will be headlined by Warriors guards Steph Curry and Klay Thompson. Hawks forward Kyle Korver, Blazers guard Wesley Matthews and Clippers guard J.J. Redick will also be joining them. There are six contestants for the event taking place on February 14th during the NBA's All-Star Saturday Night at the Barclays Center.

>>Lakers' Bryant To Have Rotator Cuff Surgery Wednesday

(El Segundo, CA) -- Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant will have surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff in his right shoulder. A timetable for his return won't be determined until after the procedure on Wednesday morning. Bryant was hurt in last Wednesday's loss to the New Orleans Pelicans. This could be the third consecutive year Bryant undergoes season-ending surgery. He tore an Achilles tendon in April 2013 and broke a bone in his knee last season. The 36-year-old Bryant is averaging 22.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and 5.6 assists in 35 games this season, his 19th in the league.

After a Saturday victory over Decatur St. Teresa 45-23, the Clinton Lady Maroons basketball team will continue their pursuit for the first ever Central Illinois Conference title as they take on Central A&M.

A&M beat Warrensburg-Latham 50-20 Saturday and is the top overall seed. The Lady Maroons are the fourth seed.

Action tonight gets underway at 6 pm at Warrensburg-Latham High School. Hear it live on 92.3 FM WHOW and online at dewittdailynews.com.

After better than ten years in business, Baum Chevrolet Buick in Clinton is renovating their Quick Lube Center.

Owner Scott Baum indicates the Quick Lube has been a very successful service since it's inception in 2003 and because of that, it is in need of some renovations. He explains they are transforming the floor into a concrete floor to better accomadate the traffic they get.

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There are two service areas in the quick lube center, and according to Baum, it will take about a month for renovation to each side. He says while that takes place though, the customer service side of things should not take a hit, in fact, Baum believes it has improved thanks to additional staff they have brought on for the duration of the work.

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K&K Construction out of Clinton is doing the work at the Quick Lube. The work's completion is estimated towards the end of February.

Baum explains once the work at the Quick Lube has concluded, they plan to keep the relocation of their other services in tact.

As heard on 92.3 FM WHOW and streamed live on dewittdailynews.com, the Clinton Lady Maroons were defeated by the Central A&M Lady Raiders 45-35 Tuesday night at the CIC Tournament in Warrensburg-Latham.

For the Lady Maroons (10-12), Jessica Scott lead the game with 14 points, with Haley Ginger right behind with 13 points.

For the Lady Raiders (23-0), Ryan Dooley lead her team with 13 points, with Kaley Hennings helping with 12 points.

Tune into 92.3 FM WHOW and stream live on dewittdailynews.com next Thursday as the Lady Maroons will play host to Sullivan. Approximate start time is 7:30 pm.

DeWitt County will move closer to having a new animal shelter tomorrow night.

The DeWitt County Board will begin the process of transforming the former Black's Heating and Cooling building tomorrow night when a special meeting will be held to vote to hire an architect to do design work at the vacant property. According to Board Chair David Newberg, this is the first step in getting the ball rolling on the project.

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Because the structure is already built, Newberg says the process of transforming it to a multi-use building will be different. He explains because the building will be multi-use, they are going to work to set it up to be what they want.

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With nearly five-thousand square feet at the new facility, Newberg doubts it is all likely to be devoted to the animal shelter, but notes all options are on the table as a possibility. The new animal shelter will be a significant upgrade in both space and quality from it's current location.

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The Board would have taken a vote on the architect hire last Thursday, however, the item was left off the agenda, therefore, the Board could not take a vote. An agenda has been released for the special 6 pm meeting tomorrow night.

After completed his first year at the helm of the Police Department, Clinton Police Chief Ben Lowers recently reflected on what the first year was like.

Among the goals for Chief Lowers when he took over was to make the department more proactive. He feels that has helped reduce crime and has given the department a more visible presence in the community.

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According to Chief Lowers, there was quite a learning curve for him early on. He credits former Chief Mike Reidy and the staff within the city as helping him along in the first year.

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There's been a lot to the position the Chief says he didn't realize he had to do. He explains the amount of time spent outside the office was surprising to him to the extent he's felt as though he needs to be in the office more.

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Chief Lowers misses being out and being interactive with the public. He also misses the feeling that he's helping people by being out and active.

We'll have more in the coming days on Chief Lowers' thoughts on his first year as the Chief of Police in Clinton. Keep it tuned to Regional Radio News and check in at dewittdailynews.com more this week.

Bill Haas made a couple big birdies and saved some huge pars down the stretch on Sunday to shoot a final-round 67 and win the Humana Challenge by one shot over five others.

Haas finished the week at 22-under-par 266 to win for the sixth time on the PGA Tour. This is Haas' second victory at this event, which he also won back in 2010.

Second-round leader and highest ranked player in the field Matt Kuchar finished with a 5-under 67 and he ended tied for second along with Charley Hoffman (64), Brendan Steele (64), Sung Joon Park (65) and Steve Wheatcroft (67) at 21-under 267.

Rookie Justin Thomas, who shared the third-round lead with Haas, Erik Compton and first-round leader Michael Putnam, finished with a 3-under 69 and tied for seventh with Webb Simpson (64) and Boo Weekley (65) at minus-20.

John Tavares recorded four goals and Jakub Voracek followed with three scores and three assists, as Team Toews walked away with a 17-12 decision over Team Foligno in the 2015 All-Star Game from Nationwide Arena, the highest-scoring mid-season event in league history.

Toews and Patrice Bergeron each ended up with a goal and four helpers, with Filip Forsberg, Rick Nash and Tyler Seguin adding two strikes apiece. Corey Crawford -- the last of three goaltenders to give up four goals, stopped 14- of-18 shots in the third period to earn the win.

Ryan Johansen from Team Foligno picked up the MVP award, pacing his side with two goals and as many assists. Patrick Kane and Steven Stamkos added two goals and one assist apiece, while Claude Giroux totaled three points on a tally and two helpers.

Marc-Andre Fleury took the loss, charged with seven goals on 16 shots in the second period.

(Glendale, AZ) -- Matt Ryan hooked up with Jimmy Graham late in the fourth quarter to give Team Irvin the lead and eventual 32-28 win over Team Carter at the 2015 Pro Bowl from University of Phoenix Stadium. Ryan finished with 104 yards passing and two scores. Lions quarterback and Pro Bowl offensive MVP Matthew Stafford threw for 316 yards with two touchdowns and a pick. Emmanuel Sanders caught two scores and Graham also hauled in two touchdowns. Drew Brees and Andrew Luck each threw two touchdowns for Team Carter. Greg Olsen hauled in two scores in the loss, while Jordy Nelson and T.Y. Hilton added TDs. Pro Bowl defensive MVP J.J. Watt recorded an interception and three pass deflections in the defeat.

>>Seahawks' Sherman Doesn't Expect Pats To Be Punished

(Glendale, AZ) -- Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman doesn't expect the New England Patriots to be punished for the "Deflategate" controversy. When asked in Arizona on Sunday if he thought the Pats would be penalized for underinflated footballs, Sherman said "probably not...not as long as Robert Kraft and Roger Goodell are taking pictures at their respective homes." Sherman was referring to the Patriots' owner and nfl commissioner, and described their relationship as a "conflict of interest".

The Pats have been under fire since it was revealed nearly all of their game balls were underinflated during last week's AFC Championship Game win over the Indianapolis Colts. While the nfl is investigating, there still has been no explanation for the underinflation.

>>Report: Browns' Gordon Fails Another Drug Test

(Undated) -- Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon has reportedly failed another drug test. According to ESPN, Gordon is facing a year suspension for the latest failed test. "Pro Football Talk" reports Gordon tested positive for alcohol. The 23-year-old Gordon is no stranger to suspensions. Gordon was banned for the first 10 games of last season for violating the league's substance-abuse policy. He was also suspended for Cleveland's season finale for violating team rules. Gordon was also suspended for the first two games of the 2013 season.

When the Chicago White Sox started making moves over the winter, Adam Eaton says he ramped up his training even more.

Chicago's productive offseason was a big hit with the center fielder and the rest of the returning players after the White Sox finished fourth in the AL Central a year ago.

General manager Rick Hahn bolstered the bullpen by signing left-hander Zach Duke and closer David Robertson. He also strengthened the rotation by trading for Jeff Samardzija, and added a couple more bats for the lineup by signing Adam LaRoche and Melky Cabrera.

With the White Sox - new and old - gathering this weekend in Chicago for the team's annual fan convention, Eaton says he is excited about the upcoming season and the team has what it needs to compete for a championship.

>>Hahn Senses Optimism Out of White Sox

Whether he's out on the town or simply checking messages, general manager Rick Hahn can sense the excitement and optimism surrounding the Chicago White Sox.

He joked that the "voice mails in the middle of the night have changed in tenor." For that, he says "thank you."

The vibe when Hahn and manager Robin Ventura took the stage Saturday during the team's fan convention was decidedly upbeat thanks to a series of moves that left many believing this team can win the AL Central.

Chicago added some left-handed pop by signing Adam LaRoche and bolstered its rotation by trading for right-hander Jeff Samardzija with one year left on his contract.

The White Sox also signed closer David Robertson and outfielder Melky Cabrera along with reliever Zach Duke.

>>Sox Bring On Vince Coleman As Base-Running Instructor

The Chicago White Sox have hired six-time National League steals champion Vince Coleman as a baserunning instructor.

General manager Rick Hahn announced the hiring Saturday at the team's annual fan convention.

Coleman, the last player with 100 steals in a season when he finished with 109 in 1987, will work with major leaguers and minor leaguers throughout the season. The White Sox hope he can help Adam Eaton and others.

Eaton hit .300 and had a .362 on-base percentage last season - his first with Chicago. But he struggled on steals, getting thrown out on nine of 24 attempts.

(Chicago, IL) -- Hassan Whiteside logged a triple-double with 14 points, 13 rebounds and 12 blocks as the Heat beat the Bulls 96-84 in Chicago. Dwyane Wade led all scorers with 26 points in Miami's second straight win. Chris Bosh added 20 points and seven rebounds in the victory. Derrick Rose netted 19 points to pace the Bulls, who had won their previous two. Aaron Brooks scored 17 points off the bench in the loss.

>>Pacers Rally To Beat Magic

(Orlando, FL) -- The Indiana Pacers' losing streak is over after a 106-99 victory versus Orlando at the Amway Center. David West scored 20 points to lead the Pacers. Indiana had previously lost seven straight games. The Magic led by seven points entering the fourth quarter, but reserve forward Damjan Rudez scored 16 of his career-high 18 in the final 12 minutes. Nikola Vucevic led Orlando with 27 points and seven rebounds. The Magic have dropped 10 of their past 12 games.

The Bluejays had a 31-30 lead at halftime of the contest that had 10 lead changes and seven ties. IWU's last lead in the game was at 36-33 with 18:57 to play in the game after a 3-pointer by senior Dylan Overstreet.

Andre Hollins helped Minnesota pull away with 17 of his 28 points in the second half, fueling a 79-71 victory Saturday over Illinois.

Hollins finished 10 for 15 from the field, including 5 for 7 from 3-point range, and had five assists for the Golden Gophers (13-8, 2-6 Big Ten). Carlos Morris had 13 of his 16 points in the first half, Mo Walker chipped in 12 points and 13 rebounds and Nate Mason added 10 points and six assists.

Hollins has 80 points in his last three games, an average of 26.7 points per contest.

Malcolm Hill and Kendrick Nunn each scored 18 points for the depleted Fighting Illini (13-8, 3-5), who played their third game in the last seven days. Jaylon Tate added 11 points and nine assists, but the Illini ran out of steam down the stretch with a rotation that's only seven deep right now.

(New York, NY) -- Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski [[ shuh-SHEFF-skee ]] earned his 1,000th career win on Sunday. The sixth-ranked Blue Devils rallied from a 10-point deficit in the second half for a 77-68 victory over St. John's at Madison Square Garden. Duke closed out the game on a 26-7 run. The 67-year-old Krzyzewski is the first men's head coach in Division One history to reach 1,000 career wins. The Hall of Famer holds a career record of 1,000-and 308.

Nate Buss hit a 3-pointer from the corner with 5 seconds left and No. 20 Northern Iowa edged Illinois State 54-53 on Sunday.

Northern Illinois (18-2, 8-1 Missouri Valley) overcame a 12-point deficit in the final 11 minutes. Seth Tuttle scored 21 for the Panthers and Jeremy Morgan made three steals and blocked a shot down the stretch.

Daishon Knight drove the lane at the end for Illinois State (12-8, 4-4), but his short shot hit the bottom of the rim as the horn sounded. Knight fell to the floor after the miss.

Nearly half of a four year pilot program for medical cannabis is about spent and the chief supporter in the house says there needs to be an extension. Illinois News Network has more:

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The law went into effect early last year with patients applying for permits to use the drug. More than three-hundred investors from in and out of state paid five-million dollars in non refundable fees but licenses have not been issued. The program is set to expire at the first of the year, 2018.

State Sen. Sam McCann has filed new legislation to create a bobcat hunting season in Illinois, after McCann says former Governor Pat Quinn backed out of a pledge to sign the original legislation and vetoed it during his last days in office. Currently, Illinois is one of only eight states with no bobcat hunting season. The bobcat species was declared "threatened" back in the 1970's and bobcat hunting was stopped In 1972 because of their dwindling population. Now, Illinois Natural Resources officials say the state’s bobcat population is growing 4-9% per year. The proposed bobcat season would run between Nov. 1 and Feb. 15. The bill also sets a limit of one bobcat per permit.

The Illinois Corn Growers Association is hosting a telephone town hall call and a series of three webinars the last week of January to assist Illinois corn farmers in the process of signing up for the new farm bill.

The meetings are scheduled for Wednesday, January 28 at 11am. and 7pm. Then again Thursday, January 29 at 7 am.

Each webinar will cover the decisions to keep or update yields, retain or reallocate base acres, and choose a program to receive commodity program payments.

Commodity program choices are Agricultural Risk Coverage at the county level (ARC-CO), Price Loss Coverage (PLC), and ARC at the individual farm level (ARC-IC)..

Interested farmers and landowners should go to www.ilcorn.org/farmbill2014 for details.

Advanced registration is required for the webinar of choice. Those attending the webinar will view the presentation on their computer and dial in with a telephone to hear the presenters.

Some House Republicans are teeing up a constitutional amendment to combine the Comptroller and Treasurers offices.

The amendment would combine the two offices into the office of Comptroller of the Treasury. Co-sponsor, Republican State Rep. Rich Brauer of Petersburg says the checks and balances concerns that have been a stumbling block to a merger can easily be addressed.

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Brauer says there are a number of reasons to combine the two offices, including the desires of the late Judy Baar Topinka, who served in both offices...

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The proposed amendment has the support of current Comptroller Leslie Munger, Treasurer Michael Frerichs and Governor Rauner. The bill has been referred to the Rules Committee of the Illinois House, where it awaits approval and passage to the Illinois House.

A bill that could start the conversation about Internet voting could find some trouble getting traction because people aren’t yet comfortable with sensitive information being sent around online.

That’s according to a citizen election watchdog. Representative Lou Lang filed legislation last week that would create the Internet Voting Act. He says there’s been an effort for several years to start up the conversation, but there hasn’t been much interests. Illinois News Network has some reaction...

Friday night will be a special night for a graduate of Clinton High School.

Each year in towards the end of the high school basketball season, Clinton High School honors an individual or individuals who have gone on to do great things in their respective communities. According to Principal Jerry Wayne, Friday night between the JV and Varsity boys basketball games, Rachel Anderson-Lyons will be inducted into Clinton High School's Wall of Honor.

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The Wall of Honor is primarily for graduates of Clinton High School. Wayne explains it highlights the accomplishments for them beyond athletics. Wayne explains they want to fearure recipients who have excelled to benefit their communities through their service or work.

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The Maroons will take on Tuscola Friday night at 7:30 pm and the ceremony is scheduled for halftime between the JV and varsity games.

Keep it to Regional Radio News and dewittdailynews.com for full coverage from the event Friday night.

The DeWitt County Board faces an uphill battle in 2015 as it relates to the Clinton Lake Marina, and Thursday night they took major steps forward.

By the end of the calendar year, the Board must make the Clinton Lake Marina ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant. According to Marina Committee Chair, Dan Ballenger, there are a couple areas of the marina that require immediate attention.

[audio:12315marinawork1.mp3] [/audio]

The previous board had laid the groundwork for renovations at the Marina restrooms. Thursday night, the Board approved the completion of that work through the original architect, Edwards Architects. Board Administrative Assistant DeeDee Rentmeister explains the work wasn't done originally because the bids came in too high.

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The Board also approved a quote through Bodine Electric to replace five pedestals at just over $10-thousand. Dock six was the point of focus for this particular work, however, several board members questioned where previous pedestals had been installed at the Marina, and Rentmeister and Ballenger note it was Dock four that received work previously.

[audio:12315marinawork3.mp3] [/audio]

The Board also approved a dock salvage contract with a group from Farmer City. Ballenger explains quotes they had received in prior attempts were upwards of $25-thousand, however, the local group has agreed to do the work for approximately $10-thousand.

[audio:12315marinawork4.mp3] [/audio]

The contract calls for insurance liability, a contact for the Board as a reference point, and for the Board to keep possession of electrical equipment recovered as a part of the work.

Other parts from the dock will be made available to the public.

In other business from the Thursday Board meeting:

>>A special use permit was given to WC Media for a billboard on the south side of Wapella. We'll have more on that next week on Regional Radio News.

Michael Putnam used a big back nine to surge up the leaderboard and shoot a 9-under 63 in Thursday's first round, giving him a 1-shot lead at the Humana Challenge.

Over the first three rounds, players will alternate between playing the Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus Private Courses at PGA West along with La Quinta Country Club. Sunday's final round will be contested on the Palmer Course.

Francesco Molinari, the only non-American in the top 10, finished with an 8- under 64 and he is tied for second with Blake Adams, Mark Wilson, John Peterson and Scott Pinckney. Molinari and Adams played on the Palmer Course, Wilson and Peterson were on the Nicklaus Course and Pinckney played at La Quinta.

(Minneapolis, MN) -- Illinois has a Big Ten road date with Minnesota tomorrow at 1:15 p.m. The Illini picked off Purdue 66-57 on Wednesday. Illinois has traded wins and losses in its last six games to sit at 13-and-7 overall and 3-and-4 in the conference. The Golden Gophers are 12-and-8 and 1-and-6.

>>Arizona Drops Stanford On Road

Stanley Johnson had 19 points, Brandon Ashley scored 17 and No. 7 Arizona pulled away in the second half for an 89-82 win over Stanford on Thursday night.

Gabe York added 13 points and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson had 12 for the Wildcats (17-2, 5-1 Pac-12), who have won three in a row to share first place in the conference with No. 12 Utah.

(Bloomington, IN) -- Indiana drained 68-percent of its three-pointers to cruise past Maryland 89-70 in Big-10 action from Assembly Hall. Yogi Ferrell led the way with 24 points including seven-of-eight from long range with James Blackmon Jr. adding 22 in the win. Troy Williams went for 16 points and seven boards as the Hoosiers improved to 5-and-1 in conference play. Jake Layman led the Terps with 13 points while Jared Nickens chipped in 12. Melo Trimble added 10 points for Maryland, which suffers its second conference loss at 5-and-2.

(Athens, GA) -- The University of Georgia is locking up head football coach Mark Richt with a two-year contract extension. The additional years will keep Richt in the fold through the 2019 season. He will also receive a raise from 3.2-million to four-million-dollars per season. Richt is 136-and-48 with a pair of SEC championships in 14 seasons at UGA. The Dawgs defeated Louisville in the Belk Bowl this season to finish 2014 with a 10-and-3 record.

The Milwaukee Brewers may be upgrading their closer. Yahoo Sports is reporting that Milwaukee is in serious discussion with the Philadelphia Phillies to acquire closer Jonathan Papelbon. Papelbon is set to make 13-million-dollars this season with a 13-million-dollar option for 2016 that is based on his performance. The 34-year-old righty has a no-trade clause which includes 17 teams but it is unknown if Milwaukee is on the list. Papelbon finished 52 games last season and racked up 39 saves with a 2.04 earned run average, his best ERA since the 2009 season with Boston.

(Foxborough, MA) -- New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick says he's "shocked" about "Deflategate." Belichick said at a Thursday press conference that he has never talked to a player or any staff member about football air pressure during his entire career and that they are cooperating with the NFL's investigation. According to ESPN, 11 of New England's 12 allotted game balls were under-iNFLated by two pounds during last Sunday's AFC Championship Game against the Indianapolis Colts. The Patriots beat the Colts 45-7 to advance to Super Bowl 49 against the Seattle Seahawks.

>>Brady Denines Knowledge of "Deflategate"

Tom Brady spoke of his involvement regarding the deflated footballs used during the AFC Championship Game on Thursday.

And like his head coach, Brady pled ignorance.

"I didn't alter the balls in any way," said Brady, who did not have a prepared statement and instead took questions from the media on the issue. "I've always played within the rules and I would never break the rules."

Brady explained his routine with team equipment managers and said nothing was any different from their normal preparation.

"I have no knowledge of any wrong doing. ... I don't know what happened," said Brady, who will play in his record sixth Super Bowl on Feb. 1. "I don't like that this has taken away from what we've achieved as a team."

The Patriots advanced to Super Bowl XLIX by rolling to a 45-7 win over the Colts last Sunday, a rain-soaked affair the saw Colts quarterback Andrew Luck complete just 36 percent of his passes.

Brady, meanwhile, connected on 66 percent of his attempts and was picked off once, an interception by D'Qwell Jackson in the second quarter that commenced what has been since been deemed "Deflate-Gate."

>>NFL London Games To Start Early Stateside In 2015

Each of the three NFL games to be played in London next season will have morning start times in the United States.

The New York Jets and Miami Dolphins will play on Oct. 4 at Wembley Stadium, then the league will play consecutive weeks in London for the first time when Buffalo and Jacksonville meet on Oct. 25 and Detroit takes on Kansas City on Nov. 1.

All three start times will be 9:30 a.m. ET in the United States.

Since the London series began in 2007, most of the start times were 1 p.m. ET in the U.S., although the Lions and Falcons played at 9:30 a.m. ET in one of this past season's three games.

Jeff Gordon isn't retiring from racing after the 2015 season, but the 43-year-old driver is making this his last year competing for a championship in the Sprint Cup Series.

Gordon, a four-time champion in NASCAR's premier series, announced to his Hendrick Motorsports team and then revealed on Twitter on Thursday that this will be his final year competing for a title. He has driven the No. 24 Chevrolet for team owner Rick Hendrick in the series since November 1992.

His Cup championships occurred in 1995, '97, '98 and 2001.

Since his Cup debut in the '92 season-ending race at Atlanta Motor Speedway, Gordon has made 761 consecutive and career starts. His 92 career victories places him third on the series' all-time race winners list, behind only Richard Petty (200) and David Pearson (105).

Gordon had one of his best seasons since his most recent championship in '01. He won four races, including the Brickyard 400, and had a series-high 23 top-10 finishes. Gordon came up one point short of advancing into the final four for the Nov. 16 championship race at Homestead-Miami Speedway. He finished sixth in the point standings.

HMS said in a news release that it will announce plans for its 2016 team alignment at a later date. Jimmie Johnson, the six-time Sprint Cup champion, Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR's most-popular driver, and Kasey Kahne also drive for the organization.

The NHL All-Star Fantasy Draft takes place tonight. Team captains Nike Foligno [[ foh-LEE-noh ]] of the Blue Jackets and Jonathan Toews [[ Taves ]] of the Blackhawks will pick players from the All-Star roster regardless of conference to compete in Sunday's 60th NHL All-Star Game at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. The league adopted the fantasy draft format during the 2010-11 season after previous years in which players from the Eastern Conference played against those from the Western Conference. Columbus was originally scheduled to host the All-Star Game in January 2013, but the game was postponed that year due to the NHL lockout and there was no game last year due to the Winter Olympics in Russia.

Saturday will see the All-Star Skills Competition, which includes the fastest skater, breakaway challenge, accuracy shooting, skills challenge relay, hardest shot and a shootout. Competing players will also represent Team Foligno and Team Toews during the Skills Competition.

Derrick Rose dropped in 22 points and Pau Gasol posted 12 points and 17 rebounds as the Bulls blasted the Spurs 104-81 at the United Center. Jimmy Butler scored 17 points while Taj Gibson added 15 to go with nine boards for the Bulls, who won for just the third time in nine games. Aaron Brooks chipped in with 15 points off the bench in the victory. Kawhi Leonard netted 16 points to pace San Antonio, which had won its previous four. Tim Duncan was held to just six points on 2-of-7 shooting in defeat. The Spurs shot just 37-percent as a team.

(Undated) -- The starters for the 2015 NBA All-Star Game are out. They final tally of the fan voting was released on a special edition of NBA Tip-Off on TNT. Warriors guard Steph Curry was the leading vote-getter and headlines the Western Conference team. Curry will be joined by Clippers forward Blake Griffin, Grizzlies center Marc Gasol, Pelicans forward Anthony Davis and Lakers guard Kobe Bryant. Bryant's status for the contest is currently unknown with Los Angeles announcing he suffered a torn rotator cuff on Thursday. Cavaliers forward LeBron James compiled the second-most fan votes. James leads an Eastern Conference squad featuring Wizards guard John Wall, Raptors guard Kyle Lowry, Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony and Bulls center Pau Gasol. The 64th edition of the All-Star Game will be played at Madison Square Garden on February 15th.

The Illinois State football team faces the dilemma of replacing 20 seniors and 11 starters for the 2015 season, but that task became less dauntin Thursday when Redbird football head coach Brock Spack announced the addition of four mid-year transfers from Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) programs.

Stephen Amoako (DB, Oregon), James Henry (OL, Toledo), David Kenney (DL, Indiana) and Reggie Spearman (LB, Iowa) are the newest additions to the ISU football roster and each will be immediately eligible to play for the Redbirds next season. Each has enrolled in classes and will take the field with their new teammates when spring practices commence in March.

The Illinois Corn Growers Association is hosting a telephone town hall call and a series of three webinars the last week of January to assist Illinois corn farmers in the process of signing up for the new farm bill.

The meetings are scheduled for Wednesday, January 28 at 11am. and 7pm. Then again Thursday, January 29 at 7 am.

Each webinar will cover the decisions to keep or update yields, retain or reallocate base acres, and choose a program to receive commodity program payments.

Commodity program choices are Agricultural Risk Coverage at the county level (ARC-CO), Price Loss Coverage (PLC), and ARC at the individual farm level (ARC-IC)..

Interested farmers and landowners should go to www.ilcorn.org/farmbill2014 for details.

Advanced registration is required for the webinar of choice. Those attending the webinar will view the presentation on their computer and dial in with a telephone to hear the presenters.

A new study ringing the alarm about the state’s finances says the income tax hike should be reinstated, but a lawmakers says not so fast--there needs to be significant cuts before new revenue is on the table.

It’s not the cost of roads or state parks that have Illinois lawmakers looking at a $9 billion deficit this year.

Laurence Msall, head of the government watchdog group the Civic Federation, says since the 1990’s Illinois didn’t pay the true costs of government. Now the bills for pensions and employee health care have come due. And Illinois cannot afford them.

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Msall says Illinois is not going to find a quick or easy fix to plugging the now $9 billion budget deficit facing lawmakers.

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A new report from the University of Illinois’ Institute for Government and Public Affairs says Illinois’ deficit, thanks to pension costs, is $9 billion this year. That’s twice what lawmakers were expecting.

After a colder than normal start to the new year, the temperatures have turned milder since the past weekend and Eric Schmidt of Newton, Il basedEJS weather says the mild trend will likely continue into early February.

Monday night, the hot topic was the January 9 fire on Clinton's east side and the cooperation between several agencies in the community.

For Clinton Mayor Carolyn Peters, it was great to see all the various organizations and entities working together. The Mayor stepped up during the course of the afternoon and opened up the Clinton City Council's chambers for the victims.

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For the Mayor, she says it was one of her first experience seeing the Red Cross in action. She feels it was interesting to see how they operate and the way they were able to assist the victims.

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Also among the challenges facing first responders was keeping the firefighters warm. The Mayor applauds the efforts of EMA officials who were able to coordinate opening up the DeWitt County EMS building for firefighters to find warmth and food on a day where wind chills were well below zero.

As administrators of the Clinton School District review the mid-year budget, things are not looking as bad as they could be.

This time of year, administrators sit back and take a look at their budgets and try to figure out where they stand and according to Dr. Jeff Holmes, Superintendent of Clinton Schools, right now the revenues they rely on are all coming in a timely manner, except for the mandated categoricals from the State of Illinois.

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The district is supposed to receive over one million dollars from the state in transportation funds, however, Dr. Holmes explains, this year, they are on pace to receive a new low of around 30% of those funds.

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All is not all doom and gloom for the district. Dr. Holmes points out while the state continues to cut their general budget payments, those are coming in on time and in the amount they have been told to expect.

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Dr. Holmes says there are a lot of mandates put on school districts that don't make sense and create a large burden for them to try to fund, and most of those funds come from their local dollars. He hopes a recent reform effort, Vision 20/20 will help address some of those things and reduce the burden the state has put schools in recent years.

Operators removed Clinton Power Station from service at approximately 5:30 pm Wednesday evening after discovering elevated water levels in the containment sump, which could be indicative of a small pipe or valve leak inside the containment building.

While the unit is offline, other maintenance activities will be performed.

The plant produces 1,078 megawatts at full power, enough electricity to power about one million typical homes.

Sprint Cup Series driver Brian Vickers has been medically cleared to return to racing full-time in early March, three months after he underwent open heart surgery.

Vickers, who drives the No. 55 Toyota for Michael Waltrip Racing in NASCAR's top series, is scheduled to make his season debut in the March 8 race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. MWR revealed on Wednesday that team co-owner Michael Waltrip will drive Vickers' car in the Feb. 22 season-opening Daytona 500. The team will name a substitute driver for the March 1 event at Atlanta Motor Speedway at a later date.

In December, doctors discovered that Vickers' body was rejecting a patch that was surgically placed over a hole in his heart in 2010. Earlier that year, he was diagnosed and treated for blood clots in his left leg and both lungs. Vickers also missed part of the 2013 racing season after he was placed on blood-thinning medication to treat a blood clot in his right calf.

Vickers won the championship in NASCAR's second-tier series (now known as the Xfinity Series) in 2003. He is a three-time race winner in Sprint Cup as well, with his most recent victory in that series occurring in July 2013 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

Sprint Cup Series driver Brian Vickers has been medically cleared to return to racing full-time in early March, three months after he underwent open heart surgery.

Vickers, who drives the No. 55 Toyota for Michael Waltrip Racing in NASCAR's top series, is scheduled to make his season debut in the March 8 race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. MWR revealed on Wednesday that team co-owner Michael Waltrip will drive Vickers' car in the Feb. 22 season-opening Daytona 500. The team will name a substitute driver for the March 1 event at Atlanta Motor Speedway at a later date.

In December, doctors discovered that Vickers' body was rejecting a patch that was surgically placed over a hole in his heart in 2010. Earlier that year, he was diagnosed and treated for blood clots in his left leg and both lungs. Vickers also missed part of the 2013 racing season after he was placed on blood-thinning medication to treat a blood clot in his right calf.

Vickers won the championship in NASCAR's second-tier series (now known as the Xfinity Series) in 2003. He is a three-time race winner in Sprint Cup as well, with his most recent victory in that series occurring in July 2013 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

(Undated) -- Golfer Dustin Johnson is denying he has a cocaine problem. In an interview with SI.com, Johnson says he did not go into rehab last summer, but instead took a leave of absence from the PGA Tour to consult with experts, including a life coach, about how to handle his life internally and the pressures that go with that.

>>Brutally Injured Golfer Withdraws From Weekend PGA Event

Days after being beaten and robbed, Robert Allenby announced on Tuesday that he has withdrawn from this week's Humana Challenge.

Allenby said in a statement released by the PGA Tour, "On the advice of my personal doctor, I have decided to withdraw from this week's Humana Challenge. This will enable me to ensure I am fully recovered prior to rejoining the PGA Tour. I anticipate a full recovery and look forward to returning in the near future."

Allenby was beaten and robbed after being kidnapped from a wine bar on Friday night. After he was helped back to his hotel, Allenby contacted police and received medical treatment.

On Sunday, Allenby was interviewed by Golf Channel and he had stitches in his forehead and his left eye was swollen shut. Police continue their investigation.

Allenby, a four-time PGA Tour winner, missed the cut at the Sony Open in Hawaii last Friday after shooting consecutive 1-over 71s.

The Milwaukee Brewers are taking a flyer on 2003 National League Rookie of the Year Dontrelle Willis. The Brew Crew has signed the 33-year-old left-hander to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training. Willis last pitched in the majors in 2011 with the Cincinnati Reds, going 1-and-6 with a 5.00 ERA in 13 starts. The two-time All-Star is 72-and-69 with a 4.17 ERA in parts of nine seasons with the Florida Marlins, Detroit Tigers, Arizona Diamondbacks and Reds. He finished second in the 2005 National League Cy Young voting with the Marlins after leading the league with 22 wins.

U.S. Soccer is suspending women's national team star Hope Solo for 30 days after reports that she failed to cooperate with police during a traffic stop in Los Angeles earlier this week. The goalkeeper will miss overseas matches in February against France and England. Solo was in the car when her husband, former NFL tight end Jerramy Stevens, was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence. The 33-year-old Solo will be eligible to return pending a review and approval from U.S. Soccer.

Solo was also arrested last June in Kirkland, Washington and charged with two counts of fourth-degree domestic violence assault. She was accused of attacking her sister and nephew, who was 17-years-old at the time. Those charges were dismissed earlier this month.

(Chicago, IL) -- The Bulls are back in action tonight facing the San Antonio Spurs at the United Center. Chicago has lost two in-a-row and six of its last eight overall following Monday's 108-94 setback at Cleveland. The Bulls are 27-and-16 on the season. The Spurs have won four in-a-row and also sit at 27-and-16.

>>Forbes: Bulls NBA's Third-Most Valuable Franchise

(Undated) -- The Bulls are the NBA's third-most valuable franchise. That's according to Forbes, which values the Bulls at two-billion-dollars. The Lakers took over the top spot from the Knicks at 2.6-billion. The average value is up 72-percent from a year ago and there are now 11 NBA franchises that Forbes has valued at more than one-billion-dollars.

>>Hawks Pound Pacers For 14th Straight Win

(Atlanta, GA) -- Jeff Teague tallied 17 points and 11 assists as the Hawks pounded the Pacers 110-91 at Philips Arena. DeMarre Carroll also scored 17 points as the Hawks tied the franchise record with their 14th straight win. Al Horford had 14 points, seven boards and five assists in the victory. C.J. Miles netted 18 points off the bench to pace Indiana, which has dropped six in-a-row. C.J. Watson scored 13 points and Rodney Stuckey added 12 in defeat.

Corey Crawford turned away two shots in the shootout against the Penguins to give the Blackhawks a 3-2 win at the CONSOL Energy Center. David Rundblad [[ ROON-blad ]] lit the lamp in the first period followed by a Marian Hossa's [[ HOE-suh ]] power play goal in the second. Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane scored in the shootout, while Crawford finished with 33 saves as Chicago won its second straight game. Zach Sill and Steve Downie scored in the loss. Marc-Andre Fleury made 24 saves for Pittsburgh, which dropped its fourth straight.

(Lake Forest, IL) -- Adam Gase is joining John Fox in Chicago. The Bears have named Gase their new offensive coordinator. Gase spent the last four seasons under Fox in Denver, serving as OC for the last two. The 36-year-old was a candidate for the Broncos head coaching job after they parted ways with Fox, however, Denver hired former Houston Texans head coach Gary Kubiak. Gase also interviewed for the Bears head coaching position before Fox was hired last week. The Bears also named Ed Donatell defensive backs coach.

>>Colts' Luck Goes First In Pro Bowl Draft

(Glendale, AZ) -- The 2015 NFL Pro Bowl Draft is in the books. Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck was the first overall pick by Team Chris Carter. Luck joins a team captained by Texans star defensive end J.J. Watt and Steelers wideout Antonio Brown, who were both helping Carter fill out his roster. The opposition will be coached by Cowboys legend Michael Irvin, who used his first pick to take Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo. Romo joins teammate DeMarco Murray and Browns cornerback Joe Haden, who helped Irvin select their squad. Team Irvin will feature wide receivers Odell Beckham Jr., Golden Tate, Emmanuel Sanders and Randall Cobb. Team Carer will have wide outs Antonio Brown, Jordy Nelson, T.Y. Hilton and A.J. Green. The Pro Bowl is Sunday at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, home of Super Bowl 49.

>>Bears' Long, Bennett To Face Each Other In Pro Bowl

(Glendale, AZ) -- Bears guard Kyle Long and tight end Martellus Bennett will be on opposite teams in Sunday's Pro Bowl. Long was selected by Team Michael Irvin, while Bennett was picked by Team Chris Carter. The 2015 Pro Bowl is set for Sunday at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, home of Super Bowl 49.

>>Rams' Quinn, Donald Get Pro Bowl Team Assignments

(Phoenix, AZ) -- The Pro Bowl teams are set. Alumni captains Cris Carter and Michael Irvin helped choose sides last night. Rams defensive end Robert Quinn and defensive lineman Aaron Donald are both on Team Irvin. The Pro Bowl is this Sunday in Glendale, Arizona.

>>Four Packers Selected To Team Carter, Two To Team Irvin In Pro Bowl

(Glendale, AZ) -- Four Packers will play for Team Chris Carter in Sunday's Pro Bowl, while Clay Matthews and Randall Cobb will play for Team Michael Irvin. Jordy Nelson, John Kuhn, Josh Sitton and Sam Shields were all picked by Team Carter during last night's Pro Bowl Draft. The 2015 Pro Bowl is set for Sunday at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, home of Super Bowl 49.

>>Rams' Offensive Coordinator Search Continues

(St. Louis, MO) -- The Rams' search for a new offensive coordinator continues. The team was denied permission earlier this week to speak to Colts special assistant Rob Chudzinski and Packers quarterbacks coach Alex Van Pelt.

Purdue played most of the game without leading scorer Kendall Stephens who left with an unspecified injury.

>>Wichita State Drops Indiana State

Ron Baker, Fred VanVleet and Tekele Cotton each scored 15 points and No. 14 Wichita State pulled away in the second half for a 76-53 win over Missouri State in a Missouri Valley Conference game.

Darius Carter added 14 points for the Shockers (17-2, 7-0 MVC), who remained unbeaten since losing to George Washington in their last non-conference game on Christmas.

Dorrian Williams and Chris Kendrix had 10 points apiece to lead the Bears (8-11, 2-5), who have dropped five in a row.

Wichita State returned to the site of one of its narrowest wins last season, a 72-69 victory over the Bears in overtime on Jan. 11 that kept the Shockers unbeaten on the way to the first 35-0 start by a team in NCAA history.

The Shockers ultimately came up a win short of the Sweet 16 after losing to Kentucky in the NCAA Tournament.

They are 7-0 in conference play for the second season in a row and fourth time in team history. Each of the previous three runs ended in conference titles.

The Illinois Wesleyan men's basketball team took possession of first place in the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin following an 89-84 upset win over No. 1 Augustana at the Carver Center on Wednesday.

Ill. Wesleyan relied on senior Pat Sodemann early, scoring 12 of the Titans first 23 points. After trailing for the first six minutes of the game, IWU would go on a 22-6 run in a span of 4:44 to take a 32-20 lead with 9:07 left in the first half thanks in part to a five-of-five start from beyond the arc. Augustana would close the gap to three late in the first half before IWU would take a 48-42 lead into the locker room at halftime.

The Vikings would keep the pressure on the Titans in the second half, keeping the game within three points before taking their first lead of the second half with 9:20 left in the game at 64-63. Both teams traded buckets for the next few minutes before the Titans took a nine point lead with 3:22 left in the game on a Dylan Overstreet old fashioned three-point play. Wesleyan would hit free throws down the stretch to hand the Vikings their first home loss of the season.

Augustana held a slight 30-28 advantage on the glass and held a 13-1 points off turnovers advantage. The Titans scored 27 bench points, including 16 from junior Mike Marietti who went a perfect six-of-six from the field.

IWU benefited from 25 made free throws on 32 attempts while the Vikings 17-26 from the charity stripe.

The Titans are 13-4 overall and 5-1 in the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin and move into a first place tie with the Vikings, who slip to 15-2 and 5-1 in the CCIW. With the completion of tonight's game, IWU holds the tiebreaker over Augustana for first place in the conference having won the head to head matchup.

As heard on 92.3 FM WHOW and streamed live on dewittdailynews.com, the Clinton Lady Maroons defeated

the Warrensburg-Latham Lady Cardinals Thursday night 64-38.

For the Lady Maroons (9-11), Megan Tool and Jessica Scott shared 16 points with Haley Ginger following with 15 points. Peyton Bieber also helped the team, scoring 9 points. For Jessica Scott, with the 16 points she scored tonight, she reached a milestone, scoring her 1000th point as a Lady Maroon.

For the Lady Cardinals (3-14), Rachel Hoppe, Carlee Peters, and Peyton Wooten each had 6 points.

Tune into 92.3 FM WHOW and stream live on dewittdailynews.com Febuary 5th as the Lady Maroons will play host to Sullivan. Approximate start time is 7:30 pm.

U.S. Senator Dick Durbin has returned to the U.S. after joining the first Congressional delegation to visit Cuba since the United States changed its diplomatic status concerning the island nation.

Negotiations with the Cuban government on improving relations will begin tomorrow. Durbin says the Cuban people have taken notice. He says reformers and activists are hopeful life can improve in Cuba after the recent thaw in relations.

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Durbin believes there's a good precedent for this kind of debate.

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Durbin calls the trip very productive. He believes reestablishing travel and trade relations will help farmers, small businesses and working families.

County fairs are big business in Illinois--so says the results of a County Fair Economic Impact Study. The numbers are in says University of Illinois grad student Alex Norr. He helped lead the study last summer.....

[audio:FAIRS.MP3]comment here[/audio]

The results were released last weekend at the annual meeting of the Illinois Association of Agricultural Fairs. Norr says the $170-million impact represents a tremendous return on investment for the state, which allocated $5.1 for county fairs in 2014.

This week, you've heard about New Year's Resolutions geared toward younger kids, and today we will focus on good habits for your teenagers to form in 2015.

Unlike school-age kids, teenagers should focus on their social responsibilities such as community service and helping others. According to Dr. Tricia Scerba, a Pediatrician with Dr. John Warner Hospital, service to others can be relatable to driving and even dating etiquette.

[audio:121152015teens1.mp3] [/audio]

The teenage years can be a very stressful time for young people due to peer pressure involving drugs and alcohol. Dr. Scerba says it is ok for you as the parent, to encourage them to get their feelings out in a responsible way.

[audio:121152015teens2.mp3] [/audio]

One of the major outliers for all age groups involves the importance of communication. Dr. Scerba stresses for parents to talk often with your kids and know what's going on in their lives.

A fire from January 9 on Clinton's east side was the subject of most of the discussion for Monday night's Clinton City Council meeting.

Efforts by many resulted in no injuries and the swift action to tend to the needs of the victims. According to Leslie Cyrulik of the American Red Cross Chapter in DeWitt County, emergency personnel were very gracious to open up several places for the victims in the apartment fire to find shelter.

[audio:12115firecoop1.mp3] [/audio]

Bob Reed, Disaster Action Team (DAT) Captain for the Red Cross Chapter in DeWitt County, is appreciative and proud of the efforts of everyone involved. Several emergency responding agencies were involved and Reed calls it the biggest local effort he's been a part.

[audio:12115firecoop2.mp3] [/audio]

The bone chilling temperatures combined with high winds on that Friday were cause of some extremely dangerous conditions for those on scene, and Teresa Barnett, Emergency Management Agency Director for DeWitt County, explains there was a lot of behind the scenes work that went into the event that the public may not have noticed.

[audio:12115firecoop3.mp3] [/audio]

Reed encouraged the City Council as they investigate a new fire station, to perhaps consider incorporating a portion of the facility as a shelter location for events such as the apartment fire from earlier this month. He feels it isn't a matter of if something like that happens again, but it is a matter of when.

Jim Harbaugh's son is joining his father's coaching staff at the University of Michigan. Jay Harbaugh will serve as the Wolverines' tight ends and assistant special teams coordinator. The 25-year-old has worked the past three seasons for his uncle, Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh. He served as an offensive quality control person this past season. Jay becomes the second son to join his father's coaching staff in the Big Ten. Brian Ferentz, the son of Iowa's Kirk Ferentz, has been working for the Hawkeyes since 2012. Jim Harbaugh was hired to coach his alma mater after mutually parting ways with the San Francisco 49ers after four seasons.

Free-agent outfielder Colby Rasmus is headed to Houston. The Astros have agreed to a one-year contract with the 28-year-old, worth a reported eight-million-dollars. Rasmus hit just .225 with Toronto last season, but belted 18 home runs in just 104 games. He's expected to take over in center field after Dexter Fowler was traded to the Cubs on Monday. Rasmus is a career .246 hitter with 116 home runs in six seasons with the Blue Jays and Cardinals.

(Lake Forest, IL) -- It appears new Chicago Bears head coach John Fox has found his defensive coordinator. CBSSports.com reports San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Vic Fangio has agreed to take the same role in the Windy City. The 56-year-old has run the 49ers' defense the last four seasons, ranking in the top-five in total defense each year. Fangio has most recently run a 3-4 defense, but Fox said on Monday that he hasn't yet decided if the Bears will use a 3-4 or 4-3 defense. Fox was formally introduced as head coach on Monday, replacing the fired Marc Trestman.

>>Ravens Name Trestman OC

(Owings Mills, MD) -- Marc Trestman is the new offensive coordinator of the Ravens. The former Bears head coach replaces Gary Kubiak [[ KOO-bee-ack ]], who left after one season to become head coach of the Broncos. The 59-year-old was fired as head coach by Chicago after a 5-and-11 season, the Bears' worst record in 10 years.

>>Report: Patriots Deflated Football For AFC Title Game

(Undated) -- ESPN reports nearly all of the New England Patriots' footballs for last Sunday's AFC Championship Game were under-inflated. According to the network, 11 of New England's 12 allotted game balls were under-inflated by two pounds of air. Game balls are required to be inflated between 12-and-a-half and 13-and-a-half pounds per square inch, and most also weigh between 14 and 15 ounces. It's unclear what punishment could be handed to the Pats, who pounded the Colts 45-7 on Sunday to advance to Super Bowl 49.

>>NFL Pro Bowl Fantasy Draft Tonight

(Glendale, AZ) -- The NFL will hold its Pro Bowl Fantasy Draft tonight. It will air on NFL Network beginning at 8 p.m. Eastern. Hall of Fame wide receivers Cris Carter and Michael Irvin will serve as alumni captains that help select teams regardless of conference affiliation. Irvin won a coin toss on Tuesday and elected to take the player-captain combination of Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray and Browns cornerback Joe Haden for Team Irvin. Team Carter gets the player-captain combination of Texans defensive end J.J. Watt and Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown. Carter will instead get the first pick in the draft itself. This is just the second season of the unconferenced format. Before that, the Pro Bowl had pitted the NFC against the AFC since 1971. The 2015 Pro Bowl will be played this Sunday at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

>>Smaller Goal Posts, Longer Extra Points For Pro Bowl

(Phoenix, AZ) -- The NFL will narrow the goal posts for Sunday's Pro Bowl in Arizona. Executive vice president of football operations Troy Vincent said at Tuesday's Pro Bowl press conference in Phoenix that the goal posts will be reduced from 18.6-feet apart to 14-feet apart. Extra point tries will also be pushed back to the 15-yard line as they were for the first two preseason games of 2014. Vincent says the moves will allow the league to examine just how skilled the kicker position has become. Nearly 84-percent of field goal attempts this season were made, while the extra-point conversion rate was more than 99-percent.

>>Dalton Replacing Rodgers In Pro Bowl

(Glendale, AZ) -- Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is withdrawing from this weekend's Pro Bowl due to an injury. The calf injury that has bothered Rodgers the past couple weeks is likely the ailment that is keeping him out of the year end All-Star Game. Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton will replace Rodgers. Dalton threw for nearly 34-hundred yards with 19 touchdowns and 17 interceptions while leading the Bengals to an AFC Wild Card playoff berth.

Chicago Bulls point guard Derrick Rose is voicing frustration over his team's current struggles. After losing 108-94 at Cleveland on Monday, an emotional Rose told ESPN they need to get on the same page and won't be successful until they do so. The former league MVP pleaded for a better effort, communication, and said it feels like the team is "not even competing." Chicago has only won twice in its last eight games. The Bulls are fourth in the Eastern Conference at 27-and-16. They canceled Tuesday's practice. Chicago hosts the defending NBA champion Spurs on Thursday.

Andrew Shaw broke out of a scoring slump with two goals, and the Chicago Blackhawks beat the struggling Arizona Coyotes 6-1 on Tuesday night.

Patrick Kane had a goal and two assists, and rookie Teuvo Teravainen had a goal and an assist as the Blackhawks got back on track after dropping two in a row and three of four. Kane's goal in the second was No. 200 for his career, and Teravainen had his first multipoint game in the NHL.

Chicago goalie Antti Raanta made 35 saves while improving to 7-0 at home this season. Raanta started in place of Corey Crawford, who likely will get the nod in Pittsburgh on Wednesday night.

Arizona lost its sixth consecutive game, extending its season-worst streak. Lucas Lessio scored his first career goal in the second, and Mike Smith finished with 45 stops.

Daishon Knight scored 20 points, his third straight game of 20 or more, and Reggie Lynch added 13 with nine rebounds as Illinois State defeated Drake 64-56 on Tuesday night.

The Redbirds (12-7, 4-3 Missouri Valley Conference) battled through a tight first half to lead 29-27 at the break - grabbing the lead for good on a Bobby Hunter 3-pointer with 2:31 left in the half. Knight added a three-point play 48 seconds before the half.

Drake's Gary Ricks Jr. and C.J. Rivers hit 3-pointers to cut the gap to 36-35 early in the second half, but Illinois State never trailed after halftime and soon had the lead up to seven points.

Wisconsin picked up its eighth consecutive Big Ten home win and tied No. 13 Maryland for first place in the conference.

The Badgers committed just one turnover.

Jarrod Uthoff scored 12 points to lead the Hawkeyes (13-6, 4-2), who scored just 17 points in the first half and had a two-game winning streak snapped.

Wisconsin is 10-1 in its last 11 games overall, the only loss coming Jan. 11 at Rutgers when it played without Kaminsky because of a concussion and finished the game without point guard Traevon Jackson, who suffered a fractured foot in the second half.

(Champaign, IL) -- Illinois welcomes Purdue to the State Farm Center tonight. The Fighting Illini lost to Indiana on Sunday and have alternated wins and losses in their last five games. Illinois is 12-and-7 overall and 2-and-4 in the Big Ten. The Boilermakers are 11-and-7 and 3-and-2.

Illinois State redshirt junior infielder/catcher Paul DeJong has been named a 2015 Louisville Slugger Preseason All-American, the organization announced Friday. DeJong was a third-team selection.

DeJong, a native of Antioch, Illinois, led the Redbirds with a .349 batting average and a .596 slugging percentage in 2014. He appeared in 54 games (all starts) and posted team-high totals of nine home runs, 21 doubles, 48 RBIs and 44 runs.

The infielder/catcher ranked third in the Missouri Valley Conference in batting average and slugging percentage. DeJong ranked fourth among MVC players in on-base percentage (.430). He led the league in doubles, while ranking second in hits (76) and total bases (130).

The Illinois State baseball team open the 2015 season on Feb. 13 at Arkansas State. The Redbirds will also play non-conference series at Southeast Missouri State and 2014 College World Series champion Vanderbilt, before playing eight games over 10 days in Florida in March. The Redbirds will host their home opener on March 18 against Illinois-Chicago.

Illinois State finished the 2014 season with a 33-22 and advanced to the MVC Tournament's title game.

It was standing room only as nearly 80 people converged in the meeting room at the Richland Community College Clinton Education Center Wednesday night, to hear information that will help farmers decide one of many options being given them in the new Farm Bill.

WHOW THE BIG 1520 AM and 92-point-3 FM hosted what it called a "WHOW Farm Bill" meeting sponsored by Peterson Insurance.

Pictured above: U of I professor Gary Schnitkey

Todd Gleason from the University of Illinois, who is heard on WHOW weekdays at 2:06 on the Closing Market Report and Saturday mornings at 8:30 on Commodity Week, was the emcee, and introduced Gary Schnitkey, an expert on the recently-passed Farm Bill, also from the U-of-I, who did a number of power point presentations showing how decisions farmers made today, will affect their farms for the next 5 years.

Eric Alberter (al-ber-ter) of the DeWitt County Farm Service Agency, closed the evening with remarks, encouraging farmers to get to his office as soon as possible to avoid delays in filing their decisions. The deadline to file is February 27th.

WHOW thanks all the farmers and agri-business people that attended Wednesday night's Farm Bill meeting. Segments of the meeting will be heard in upcoming Morning and Noon Farm Shows, and the complete hour-and-a-half session will be posted on our farm web portal, illinoisfarmradio-dot-com.

Richland Community College's Clinton Education Center will be the site for this event and according to Jay Peterson, owner of Peterson Insurance, it would be beneficial for farmers to come out and get valuable information on the upcoming farm bill.

[audio:12115farmbillmeet1.mp3] [/audio]

As he makes his way across the area interacting with farmers, Peterson says a lot of his clients and others have a lot of questions about the upcoming farm bill. He feels farmers should attend several of these types of meetings, and encourages farmers to come out Wednesday for this one.

[audio:12115farmbillmeet2.mp3] [/audio]

Todd Gleason, host of the Closing Market Report heard weekdays on WHOW, will emcee. Guest speaker is Gary Schnitkey of the University of Illinois, an expert on the new Farm Bill, who will present remarks and answer farmers' questions.

The Wednesday gathering gets underway at 6:30 at Richland Community College's Clinton Education Center. The meeting is free and open to the public.

For further details, contact Jared White at WHOW by calling 217-935-9590.

The Governor is asking state agencies and contractors to report the number of minorities and veterans in training and apprentice programs. The order Rauner says is a step to solve the “way too high” unemployment rate for minorities and veterans.

The new order applies to labor groups, contractors and sub contractors that work with the state. He wants the data back in 30 days.

Yesterday we heard some New Year's resolution suggestions for preschoolers. Today we will focus on a local pediatricians' recommendations for school age kids.

Children ranging from ages 5-12 are encouraged to jumpstart a healthy lifestyle that will carry them through life. According to Dr. Tricia Scerba, Pediatrician with Doctor John Warner Hospital, drinking water and milk in the place of soft drinks and sugary beverages is important for growing children.

[audio:12015schoolage1.mp3] [/audio]

Vehicle safety can be a tricky area as children begin to get older and bigger. For many school age kids may think they are ready to use adult seat belts before they should, so Scerba encourages parents to keep their kids in booster seats until they are big enough to ride without them.

[audio:12015schoolage2.mp3] [/audio]

Most school age kids like to explore and have a very trusting nature, but Scerba asks parents to set ground rules for online usage from an early age. Communication is the key for parents who monitor their child's internet exploration.

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It's very important for kids to feel safe coming to adults for help. She notes authority figures should encourage children to come to them if they are being bullied or are uncomfortable with any situation they may be in.

Stay tuned to Regional Radio News for more of Dr. Scerba's resolutions geared toward teens.

A couple tragic events in recent weeks have left several families and individuals reeling for necessary, every day items. In the wake of those events, one local organization has stepped up to help fill those needs.

A couple fires in DeWitt County haved affected several members of the community and the DeWitt County Human Resource Center is stepping up to help those affected by the unexpected events. Executive Director Lynn Scoville explains the Center has been available to provide the victims with necessary items they need.

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HRC has assisted the families with temporary housing and Scoville stresses they hope to help to pick up where the American Red Cross leaves off. Along with housing, HRC is also stepping up to provide medications and other daily items for the victims.

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Scoville encourages anyone wishing to make a donation to the fire victims to contact the HRC at 217-935-9496. Anyone wishing to donate food can also contact local food pantries.

Jimmy Walker ran away with his fourth career PGA Tour victory at the Sony Open in Hawaii Sunday, a win that has vaulted him up to No. 13 in the world rankings.

Walker, whose 9-shot victory was the largest in Sony Open history by two shots, jumped four spots from No. 17 to No. 13 this week.

Rory McIlroy remained the No. 1 player in the world for another week and he was followed by Henrik Stenson, Adam Scott and Bubba Watson at Nos. 2-4 again.

Justin Rose and Sergio Garcia traded spots, with Rose up one to No. 5 and Garcia falling one to No. 6. Jim Furyk, Jason Day, Jordan Spieth and Rickie Fowler remained the same and they are Nos. 7-10.

Matt Kuchar stayed put at No. 11, as did Martin Kaymer at No. 12 after he lost a 10-stroke lead at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship on Sunday. With Walker up four spots, Billy Horschel and Patrick Reed both fell one, putting them at Nos. 14 and 15, respectively.

Phil Mickelson remained at 16, Victor Dubuisson jumped two to 17, Hideki Matsuyama fell three to 18, Graeme McDowell dropped one to 19 and Zach Johnson stayed at 20 for another week.

(Washington, DC) -- D'Vauntes Smith-Rivera and Isaac Copeland scored 17 points apiece as Georgetown blew out fourth-ranked Villanova 78-58 in Washington, DC. The Hoyas took control of the game with a 17-0 run in the first half. Jabril Trawick chipped in with 10 points as Georgetown moved to 5-and-2 in Big East play and 13-and-5. Ryan Arcidiacono netted 16 points for the Wildcats, who fell to 4-and-2 in the Big East and 17-and-2 overall.

>>Duke Dismantles Pitt To Give Krzyzewski 999th Career Win

(Durham, NC) -- Mike Krzyzewski [[ shuh-SHEFF-ski ]] is on the brink of history following Duke's 79-65 win over Pitt. Krzyzewski now has 999 career victories as a head coach. The Hall of Famer will attempt to become the first coach in Division One history to reach 1,000 career wins when sixth-ranked Duke squares off with St. John's at Madison Square Garden on Sunday.

(Chapel Hill, NC) -- Former BCS national championship head coach Gene Chizik [[ CHIZZ-ick ]] is heading to the University of North Carolina as a defensive coordinator. He served as the Auburn Tigers head coach from 2009 to 2012, but was fired after a 3-and-9 season. He was the Texas Longhorns' defensive coordinator during their 2005 national title season, and at Auburn in 2004 when the Tigers went unbeaten. The Tar Heels finished 117th in total defense this past season. UNC allowed 40 or more points six times, and 50 or more points three times, ending the year 6-and-7 with a loss to Rutgers in the Quick Lane Bowl.

(St. Louis, MO) -- Cardinals pitcher Michael Wacha [[ WAH-kah ]] says his right shoulder is feeling good and he expects to be ready to go come spring training next month. Wacha made his comments at the Cardinals' Winter Warm-Up over the weekend. He was limited to 19 starts last season.

>>Brewers Move Ace Gallardo To Rangers

The Texas Rangers acquired starting pitcher Yovani Gallardo from the Milwaukee Brewers Monday in exchange for three players.

(St. Louis, MO) -- Jaden Schwartz netted his 16th goal of the year as the Blues took down the Avalanche 3-1 at the Scottrade Center. T.J. Oshie [[ OH-shee ]] and Carl Gunnarsson both added a goal, and Brian Elliot tallied 18 saves in the victory. St. Louis has won seven of its last eight. Semyon Varlamov allowed all three goals on 30 shots as Colorado lost for the fourth time in five games. Matt Duchene [[ doo-SHANE ]] scored the lone goal in the setback.

(Chicago, IL) -- The Blackhawks battle the Coyotes at the United Center tonight. Chicago is coming off Sunday's 6-3 home loss to the Stars. The 'Hawks have dropped two straight and three-of-four overall. The puck drops at 7:30.

>>Blackhawks Carcillo Suspended Six Games

The NHL has suspended Chicago Blackhawks forward Daniel Carcillo for six games for cross checking Winnipeg Jets forward Mathieu Perreault.

The punishment stems from a hit during Friday's loss to the Jets when he cross checked Perreault across the back in the closing seconds of the second period..

Carcillo sat out Sunday's game while awaiting a hearing and will miss five more.

Carcillo loses $40,243.92 in salary.

>>NHL Names Players of the Week

Winnipeg Jets defenseman Dustin Byfuglien, Detroit Red Wings forward Tomas Tatar and New York Islanders right wing Kyle Okposo were named the NHL's players of the week on Monday.

Byfuglien was selected as the First Star. He led all defensemen with three goals and added three assists, helping the Jets to wins in all four of their games last week.

Tatar picked up the Second Star after sharing the league lead with five goals and seven points last week. He scored in four straight games, leading Detroit to wins in each contest.

Okposo also scored five goals last week to garner the Third Star. Four of those goals came Friday in a 6-3 win over Pittsburgh.

John Fox wasn't backing down from the challenge he faces as the Chicago Bears' new coach.

Fox says he's "looking forward" to tackling the job and help spark a franchise coming off a disappointing season.

The Bears went 5-11, missed the playoffs for the seventh time in eight years and fired general manager Phil Emery and coach Marc Trestman. They hired Ryan Pace as GM and then turned to Fox last week, just days after he coached the Denver Broncos in the playoffs, to replace Trestman.

On Monday, the Bears introduced their new coach.

Fox did not provide any answers about the futures of quarterback Jay Cutler or receiver Brandon Marshall. He is more focused on filling out his staff.

>>Bears Hire Special Teams Coordinator

The Chicago Bears have hired Jeff Rodgers as special teams coordinator.

Rodgers spent the past four years in the same role with the Denver Broncos under coach John Fox , the Bears' new coach, and spent two seasons on Fox's staff in Carolina.

The Broncos ranked 10th in the NFL in gross punting average and 11th in net punting average under Rodgers. Kicker Matt Prater made the Pro Bowl after setting franchise records for field goal percentage (96.2) and points scored (150) during the 2013 season. He also set an NFL record that year with a 64-yard field goal.

This season, Connor Barth's field goal percentage (93.8) was second-highest in franchise history.

Rodgers was Carolina's special teams assistant in 2009 and coordinator in 2010.

The Bears announced the hiring Monday.

>>Bears TE Bennett Added To Pro Bowl

Chicago Bears tight end Martellus Bennett and Cleveland Browns safety Donte Whitner have been selected for the Pro Bowl.

They replace New England's Rob Gronkowski and Seattle's Earl Thomas, with the Patriots and Seahawks headed to the Super Bowl.

Bennett's selection is the first for him and the first by a Bears tight end since Hall of Famer Mike Ditka earned one for the 1965 season. He led NFL tight ends with a club-record 90 receptions and was third at the position with 916 yards receiving.

Whitner, headed to his third straight Pro Bowl, had 106 tackles in his first season with the Browns. A Cleveland native, he signed with them after spending his first eight seasons with Buffalo and San Francisco.

The Pro Bowl is Sunday in Glendale, Arizona.

>>Pair of Packers Picked For Pro Bowl

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb and cornerback Sam Shields were named to their first Pro Bowl on Monday.

The NFL announced that Cobb will replace Dallas wide receiver Dez Bryant and Shields will take the place of New England corner Darrelle Revis, who will play in the Super Bowl.

The Packers fell to Seattle in overtime Sunday in the NFC Championship Game after the Seahawks mounted a comeback in the final minutes of regulation.

The Pro Bowl will be held Sunday at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, a week before the Super Bowl takes place in the same stadium.

>>Rams Looking To Interview Van Pelt, Chudzinski For OC

(St. Louis, MO) -- With the Packers and Colts out of the playoffs, the Rams may be looking to lure away one of their coaches. They have asked permission to speak to Packers quarterbacks coach Alex Van Pelt and Colts special assistant Rob Chudzinski about their vacant offensive coordinator job.

Outfielder Dexter Fowler has been traded from the Houston Astros to the Chicago Cubs for infielder Luis Valbuena and right-hander Dan Straily.

Fowler, 28, hit .276 with eight homers and 35 RBIs last year in his only season with the Astros, who acquired him from Colorado for outfielder Brandon Barnes and right-hander Jordan Lyles. Fowler, who has a .271 career average, asked last week for $10.8 million in arbitration and was offered $8.5 million. He is eligible for free agency after the season.

The 29-year-old Valbuena played third base primarily last year but also saw time at second. He hit .249 with 33 doubles, 16 homers and 51 RBIs. Valbuena agreed Friday to a $4.2 million, one-year contract and can become a free agent after the 2016 World Series.

Straily, 26, was 1-3 with a 6.75 ERA last season in eight starts and six relief appearances for Oakland and the Cubs, who acquired him as part of the trade that sent Jeff Samardzija to the Athletics. He was 10-8 for the A's in 2013.

LeBron James scored 26 points and J.R. Smith added 20 as the Cleveland Cavaliers entered a favorable portion of their schedule with a 108-94 win over the Chicago Bulls on Monday night.

Back home after winning two games in Los Angeles to salvage a trip out West, the Cavs had little trouble with the Central Division-leading Bulls. Cleveland opened a 25-point lead in the third quarter and handed Chicago its fourth loss in five games.

Smith made six 3-pointers, Kyrie Irving scored 18 with 12 assists and Kevin Love added 16 points and 12 rebounds for the Cavs, who have won three straight to temporarily quiet talk that they're underachieving and first-year coach David Blatt is in trouble. Cleveland can improve its record with three more home games this week and nine of its next 12 in Quicken Loans Arena.

ON 1/18/15 CLINTON POLICE ARRESTED KALOB S. FOLLOWELL 21, CLINTON FOR DOMESTIC BATTERY, POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA, AND GIFT/SELL OF ALCOHOL TO A MINOR AND EDGAR A. VELAZQUES 24, CLINTON ON A FULTON COUNTY WARRANT AND FOR GIFT/SELL OF ALCOHOL TO A MINOR. BOTH SUBJECTS WERE TRANSPORTED TO THE DEWITT COUNTY JAIL AND RELEASED TO CORRECTIONS. A 17 YEAR OLD JUVENILE WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE CLINTON POLICE DEPT AND RELEASED TO THEIR PARENT/GUARDIAN PENDING FORMAL CHARGES.

ON 1/19/15 CLINTON POLICE ARRESTED RAYMOND K. BROUGH 56, CLINTON FOR DOMESTIC BATTERY. BROUGH WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE DEWITT COUNTY JAIL AND RELEASED TO CORRECTIONS.

ALL SUSPECTS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL FOUND GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW

Could there be an effort to increase taxes to fill the state’s budget deficit?

The short answer is yes, but it’s unclear what form the tax will take. One state senator says there may not be any other option to fix the problem in the short term other than a combination of cuts, business reforms and raising taxes. Illinois News Network has more:

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Earlier this week House Speaker Mike Madigan said the upcoming budget is expected to have a deficit of over five-and-a-half billion dollars.

It’s not just Illinoisans who are critical of their government, observers from around the country and around the world use Illinois as the butt of jokes and that needs to change. That’s according to State Senator Christine Radogno. During Wednesday’s inauguration of lawmakers in Springfield Radogno was selected the minority leader. Illinois News Network has more:

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For twelve years Illinois was under one party rule, but that ended with Republican Governor Rauner’s election. The state’s poor finances are expected to take center stage for the new Governor and the General Assembly in the coming months.

There are other options beyond just cuts and tax increases for Illinois to right its sinking financial ship.

Governor Bruce Rauner is expected to lay out significant budget details in the near future with both his State of the State and budget addresses, but some lawmakers say they already have some ideas on where sacrifices can be made. State Senator Andy Manar says Rauner’s call to hold the line on discretionary spending is a good start. Representative Scott Drury says reforming the prisons and how the state deals with mental illness can save the state money. State Senator Sam McCann says there needs to be significant reforms for Medicaid. But one lawmaker says more cuts aren’t and taxes the only options. Illinois News Network has more:

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During their inauguration, House Speaker Mike Madigan said Illinois is facing an estimated budget shortfall over the next few years of over ten-billion dollars.

2015 will prove to be an eventful year for a local museum due to an important anniversary.

The Lincoln Heritage Museum on the campus of Lincoln College, will be commemorating the 150th anniversary of the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln this year. Museum Director Ron Keller explains exhibits from a Springfield group will make their way to Lincoln before the commemoration.

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The Museum is also creating their own exhibit. Keller explains Lincoln's death weighed heavily on the United State's of America at that time and was perhaps one of the greatest tragedies in American history to that point.

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The new exhibit opens this week and will continue through the rest of the year with more events to follow.

The Lincoln Heritage Museum is located on the campus of Lincoln College. For more information on exhibits and events you can go to www.lincolnheritagemuseum.org or find them on Facebook.

You may have set many New Year's Resolutions for yourself or you and your spouse, but what about your kids? A local pediatrician is encouraging parents to help your children to make their own special resolutions for this year.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recently published a list of age appropriate New Year's resolutions for various age groups and Dr. Tricia Scerba, Pediatrician at the Doctor John Warner Hospital, says kids ages 2-4 should be able to comprehend what a resolution is. She hopes you will encourage them to keep healthy habits such as hand washing or brushing their teeth.

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Kids can learn valuable lessons in communication even at a young age. Dr. Scerba notes your preschool age kids have the ability to grasp being kind to others and recognizing those in need.

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According to Dr. Scerba, talking with your kids at an early age can help to create healthy habits that will last a lifetime.

Interested in what else Dr. Scerba has to say? Stay tuned to Regional Radio News and check in with dewittdailynews.com for more resolutions geared toward your children.

Jimmy Walker fired a final-round, 7-under 63 on Sunday and he ran away with a 9-shot win and successfully defended his title at the Sony Open in Hawaii.

Walker shot four straight rounds in the 60s to finish the week at 23-under-par 257, which was nine shots better than runner-up Scott Piercy. The win is Walker's fourth on the PGA Tour and his first since winning the AT&T National Pro-Am last season. Walker defeated Chris Kirk by one stroke at this event last year.

Piercy carded his second consecutive 66 to finish in sole possession of second place at 14-under 266 at Waialae Country Club. Harris English and Gary Woodland both shot 3-under 67s, while Matt Kuchar fired a 1-over 71 and the trio finished tied for third at 13-under 267.

(Undated) -- The Cardinals will honor Oscar Taveras this season. The team will wear an "OT" patch in 2015. Taveras was a rising star that died in the offseason at the age of 22. He was involved in a car crash in his native Dominican Republic.

>>Cubs Rizzo: "We Will Win The NL Central"

(Chicago, IL) -- Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo says the team will win the National League Central Division this season. Rizzo made the proclamation Thursday during a stop at an elementary school as part of the Cubs Caravan. Rizzo said it's going to happen this year, we're going to win the NL Central, you guys can quote me on that.

The Cubs went 73-and-89 last season, but have brought in new manager Joe Madden and also signed top free-agent pitcher Jon Lester this offseason. The Cubs last made the playoffs in 2008 and haven't won a World Series since 1908.

>>Wrigley Bleachers Closed Until May

(Chicago, IL) -- The famed bleachers at Wrigley Field won't be open until May 11th at the earliest. The bleachers are being reconstructed as part of a 375-million-dollar renovation of the iconic home of the Cubs.

>>Nationals Ink Scherzer To Seven-Year Deal

(Washington, DC) -- The Washington Nationals will potentially have one of the best rotations in MLB this upcoming season. Multiple news outlets are reporting the Nationals have agreed to seven-year contract with right-hander Max Scherzer [[ SHER-zer ]]. Terms of the deal have yet to be released but it is expected to be worth over 180-million-dollars. Scherzer has logged a 3.52 ERA along with over a thousand strike outs and an 82-and-35 record in his last five seasons with the Detroit Tigers. With their current roster in tact, the Nationals will sport a starting rotation consisting of Scherzer, Stephen Strasburg, Jordan Zimmermann, Gio Gonzalez and Doug Fister this year. There are rumors they could look into dealing Zimmermann or Strasburg.

>>Orioles Avoid Arbitration With Four

(Baltimore, MD) -- The Baltimore Orioles are avoiding arbitration with four key members of their roster. The team has agreed to one-year deals with catcher Matt Wieters [[ WEE-ters ]], slugger Chris Davis, right-handed starter Chris Tillman and lefty reliever Brian Matusz [[ MATT-iss ]]. Wieters hit .308 with five home runs in 26 games before missing the rest of last season following Tommy John surgery. Davis slugged 26 homers, but hit just .196 before being suspended the final 17 games of the season for violating baseball's drug policy. Tillman went 13-and-6 with a 3.34 ERA, while Matusz was 2-and-3 with a 3.48 ERA out of the pen.

>>Giants, Aoki Agree To One-Year Deal

(San Francisco, CA) -- The San Francisco Giants are adding outfield depth. The "San Francisco Chronicle" reports the team has agreed to a one-year contract with Nori Aoki [[ ah-OH-kee ]]. The 33-year-old hit .285 with a home run and 17 stolen bases during his lone season with Kansas City in 2014. Aoki and the Royals fell to the Giants in seven games in last year's World Series.

>>Pirates Finalize Four-Year Deal With Kang

(Scottsdale, AZ) -- A deal between the Pittsburgh Pirates and South Korean infielder Jung Ho Kang is complete. The two sides have finalized a four-year contract with a club option for the 2019 season. The deal was agreed to in principle last week and is worth a reported 16-million-dollars. The Pirates also paid five-million-dollars to Nexen Heroes for the rights to negotiate with Kang. He set career highs by hitting .356 with 40 home runs and 117 RBI in 117 games last season.

The Bulls are in Cleveland to battle LeBron James and the Cavaliers tonight. Chicago is coming off Saturday's 107-99 home loss to the Hawks. The Bulls have dropped three of their last four to enter tonight's tilt 27-and-15. Tip-off is at 6:30.

(Chicago, IL) -- Cody Eakin lit the lamp twice as the Stars doubled up the Blackhawks 6-3 in Chicago. Tyler Seguin, Vernon Fiddler, Erik Cole and Shawn Horcoff all scored for Dallas, which has won two straight and three-of-four. Jamie Benn logged three assists and Kari Lehtonen made 38 saves in the win. Brandon Saad scored twice and Patrick Kane added a goal for Chicago, which came up short for the third time in four games. Corey Crawford allowed five goals on 33 shots in the setback.

(St. Louis, MO) -- The Blues welcome the Avalanche to town tonight. St. Louis is 28-13-and-4 after defeating Toronto 3-0 on Saturday. The Avs are 19-17-and-10. The puck drops at the Scottrade Center at 7 p.m. on NBC Sports Network.

(Seattle, WA) -- Russell Wilson's 35-yard touchdown pass to Jermaine Kearse just over three minutes into overtime gave the Seahawks a wild 28-22 win over the Packers in the NFC Championship Game in Seattle. The touchdown capped an incredible rally for the Seahawks, who took advantage of a misplayed onside kick late in the fourth en route to advancing to Super Bowl 49. The Seahawks trailed 16-0 at halftime and were down by 12 in the fourth quarter before taking their first lead with 1:25 left in regulation. Green Bay's Mason Crosby then forced OT with a 48-yard field goal with 14 seconds to go.

Wilson threw for 209 yards, the score and four interceptions for Seattle, which will face the Patriots in Glendale, Arizona on February 1st. Marshawn Lynch rumbled for 157 yards and a touchdown in the win. Aaron Rodgers passed for 178 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions for Green Bay, which gave up two touchdowns less than a minute apart late in the fourth. Crosby kicked five field goals, including two chip shots following Seattle defensive stands in the first quarter.

>>Patriots Stomp Colts In AFC Championship Game

(Foxboro, MA) -- The New England Patriots are headed to their eighth Super Bowl. New England dominated the Indianapolis Colts, 45-7, Sunday evening at Gillette Stadium. The Pats will take on the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl 49, February 1st at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Tom Brady led the way, throwing for 226 yards, three touchdowns and an interception. On the receiving end of the Brady TD tosses were Rob Gronkowski, James Develin and offensive tackle Nate Solder. LeGarrette Blount gashed the Colts' run defense, much like he did in the 2013 AFC Divisional matchup, to the tune of 148 yards and three scores.

It wasn't a pretty day for Indianapolis quarterback Andrew Luck, who completed only 12-of-33 passes for 126 yards, no touchdowns and two picks. The Colts only gained 209 total yards as an offense. Their loan score was a one-yard run from Zurlon Tipton that pulled the Colts within seven in the second quarter. Indy was outscored 28-to-0 in the second half.

>>Bears Name Player Personnel Director

The Chicago Bears have hired Josh Lucas as director of player personnel.

Lucas spent 10 seasons in the New Orleans Saints personnel department working with new Bears general manager Ryan Pace. He spent the past eight as a scout for them.

He joins a team that finished 5-11 and fired coach Marc Trestman. John Fox was hired as coach on Friday after splitting with the Denver Broncos.

Lucas also worked for the Jacksonville Jaguars from 2002-04 and graduated Cum Laude from Harvard University, where he played safety from 1997-98.

The Bears announced the move on Sunday.

>>Report: League Looking Into Patriots Deflating Footballs

(Foxboro, MA) -- It looks like another controversy will engulf the New England Patriots. Bob Kravitz, from wthr.com in Indianapolis, is reporting "the NFL is investigating the possibility the Patriots deflated footballs Sunday night." In another tweet, Kravitz stated "I'm told at one point the officials took a ball out of play and weighed it." If the accusation turns out to be true, New England will potentially lose draft picks. The Patriots torched the Colts, 45-7, to advance to face the Seahawks in Super Bowl 49.

>>Seahawks Sherman And Thomas Suffered Injuries

(Seattle, WA) -- The Seahawks Legion of Boom got a little bit banged up. Cornerback Richard Sherman suffered an elbow injury and safety Earl Thomas injured his shoulder in Seattle's NFC Championship Game win over the Packers on Sunday. Both players will have MRIs on Monday. After the game they both said they would play in Super Bowl 49, February 1st, against the Patriots in Glendale, Arizona.

Illinois State shot 51 percent from the field (26-51) and drained 13 3-pointers. The Redbirds scored 17 of 23 at the foul line to Bradley's 10 of 16.

Bradley (6-13, 1-5) also shot well from the field (25 of 50), making a season-best 12 of 27 from 3-point range and placing four shooters in double figures. Warren Jones led with 19 points with five 3-pointers, freshman Josh Cunningham added a career-best 17, and Tramique Sutherland and Auston Barnes added 12 each.

The Redbirds jumped out 8-2 and led 46-31 at the break, cruising through the second half.

>>Indiana Comes Back To Top Illinois

Troy Williams and James Blackmon Jr. both tallied 21 points as the Indiana Hoosiers grabbed the 80-74 win over the Illinois Fighting Illini in a Big Ten Conference battle at State Farm Center.

Blackmon Jr. knocked down four of his six shots from 3-point range and Williams not only cleared a team-best nine rebounds, he also converted several key free throws down the stretch in order for the Hoosiers (14-4, 4-1 Big Ten) to extend their win streak to three in a row.

Also scoring in double figures for the visitors was Nick Zeisloft with 10 points off the bench. Kevin Ferrell shot only 1-of-9 from the floor and finished with seven points, but he also accounted for nine assists, against just a single turnover.

Illinois (12-7, 2-4), which has dropped two of the last three contests, was paced by Kendrick Nunn with a game-high 24 points on 6-of-10 shooting beyond the arc. Ahmad Starks contributed 19 points and six assists in a reserve role, hitting 5-of-8 on the perimeter, while Malcolm Hill tacked on 12 points and three steals.

(Ann Arbor, MI) -- Michigan's season took a turn for the worse on Sunday. The Wolverines will be without junior Caris LeVert for the rest of the season after he injured his left foot in a win Saturday at home against Northwestern. He will have surgery this week, on the same foot he had surgery on in May. LeVert is Michigan's leader in points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks per game. The Wolverines play Rutgers on Tuesday. They're 11-and-7 overall and 4-and-2 in the Big Ten.

This Thursday night, senior students and their parents are encouraged to come out for an informational session on financial aid for college.

College tuition has been on the rise for many years, and affording to post-high school education is a challenge for many. One way to help afford college is through filing for FAFSA, a government financial aid source. According to Clinton High School Principal Jerry Wayne, Thursday night, parents and students can learn more about what FAFSA is all about.

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Guidance counselors and other people familiar with FAFSA forms will be on hand. According to Wayne, parents may want to bring along tax forms and other documents to receive first hand assistance with the process.

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Applying for FAFSA comes along with many common wrong perceptions and questions, and according to Wayne, the meeting is a great opportunity to get some of those questions answered.

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Thursday night, things open up at 6 pm and will go until 8 pm in the high school library.

A team of solar-car builders from Illinois State University had a tough day at an international race. But the team gets to race on.

Team President Sarah Noll tells The Pantagraph in Bloomington (http://bit.ly/1DLpaI1 ) that the Abu Dhabi Solar Challenge allowed the 11-member group to continue racing even after its car failed to finish Thursday's run.

Noll said the problem was a loose connection between the solar array and the batteries. The fix wasn't difficult, but took enough time that the car didn't run the minimum number of laps.

Up next is a three-day race on city streets and desert roads.

Noll is one of the drivers. She said it was a thrill to drive a car the group built.

Before family and friends, State Representative Dan Brady (R-Bloomington) today took the oath of office to represent the 105th House district in the new 99th General Assembly.

Representative Brady, who is beginning his 8th term representing local communities in the Illinois House, says this year truly has the feel of a “new beginning”. He adds the upcoming session is going to require concessions from everyone on both sides of the aisle.

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House members were sworn in Wednesday at Sangamon Auditorium at the University of Illinois at Springfield. The new 99th General Assembly will serve until January 2017.

As the Farm Bill decision deadline looms large, farmers and landowners are encouraged to check out recent updates to the online Farm Bill Toolbox that may help their decision making go more smoothly.

University of Illinois clinical assistant professor of law and policy Jonathan Coppess says after listening to a lot of people who have used the website, they decided to make some changes that will help users through the decision-making process

The site has been redesigned so that it is easier to navigate; a resource tool bar has been added in the program decision steps; lists have been created of farmdoc Daily articles that are relevant to each decision step; and there is a new section with answers to frequently asked questions.The website can be found by typing “Farm Bill Toolbox” into any search engine or by visiting http://farmbilltoolbox.farmdoc.illinois.edu/.

The site includes dates and online registration for 14 free seminars that will be held across Illinois over the next few weeks and an archive of the webinars we offered this past fall. Coppess says they’ll also be hosting another webinar series that will cover each of the decisions, updated analysis on the programs, and expected payments. Information about how people can attend those webinars will be added to the site.”

Those producers with further questions pertaining to the new farm bill programs are encouraged to attend a special Farm Bill meeting sponsored by Peterson Insurance at the Richland Community College Clinton Education Center, on Wednesday, January 21st at 6:30pm.

GOVERNOR BRUCE RAUNER IS SIGNING AN EXECUTIVE ORDER REQUIRING ALL POLITICAL HIRES IN STATE GOVERNMENT BE POSTED ONLINE.

GOVERNOR RAUNER SAYS THE PUBLIC SHOULD BE ABLE TO SEE WHO WAS HIRED INTO RUTAN-EXEMPT POSITIONS…WHICH ARE HIRES THAT ARE OFTEN BASED ON POLITICS.

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THE LIST WILL BE POSTED ON THE ILLINOIS TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY PORTAL…WHERE YOU CAN ALREADY SEARCH STATE EMPLOYEE SALARIES AT: ACCOUNTABILITY DOT ILLINOIS DOT GOV. IN ADDITION…RAUNER IS INSTRUCTING STATE OFFICIALS TO HELP LOCAL GOVERNMENTS PROVIDE THEIR EMPLOYEE SALARY INFORMATION ONLINE, AS REQUIRED BY LAW.

Illinois has claimed the title of top soybean-producing state for the second year in a row, according to USDA estimates.

The Jan. 12 USDA Crop Production Report estimates Illinois farmers raised 547.7 million bushels of soybeans in 2014 on 9.8 million harvested acres with an average yield of 56 bushels per acre. Iowa ranked second in terms of total production with 505.7 million bushels raised on 9.8 million acres and an average yield of 51.5 bushels per acre. In 2013, Illinois produced 474 million bushels.

Bill Raben, Soybean Farmer from Ridgway, Ill and ISA chairman says that while good weather played major role in the good palnting year, management practices also played a part.

The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) represents more than 45,000 soybean farmers in Illinois through the state soybean checkoff and membership efforts. The checkoff funds market development, soybean production and profitability research, promotion, issues management and analysis, communications and education. Membership and advocacy efforts support Illinois soybean farmer interests in local areas, Springfield and Washington, D.C. ISA programs are designed to ensure Illinois soy is the highest quality and the most dependable, sustainable and competitive in the global marketplace. For more information, visit the website www.ilsoy.org.

As a new General Assembly was sworn in earlier this week, a local lawmaker could not help but express his optimism and excitement.

State Representative Adam Brown was sworn into office on behalf of the 102nd District on Wednesday, declaring an eagerness to truly bring reform to the state’s budget and spending policies alongside Governor Bruce Rauner.

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Like many of his colleagues, Rep. Brown has identified the challenge of the state's budget as a top priority.

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He hopes to continue his advocacy for the district’s vital educational and agricultural communities.

State Fair Manager Amy Bliefnick's ten year run at the helm of the August icon is ending after she received word that she was being let go by Governor Bruce Rauner's transition team.

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Bliefnick is proud of the role of veterans at the fair as well as the expanded emphasis on the final Sunday evening of the fair. When it comes to what she'll miss the most, it isn't a ferris wheel, a building, an event or even the butter cow.

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Du Quoin State Fair manager Shannon Woodworth also was fired earlier this week.In his case, he was let go before his first anniversary as manager.

A monthly survey of bankers suggests the economy will remain weak in rural parts of 10 Midwestern and Western states because of low grain and oil prices.

The region's overall economic index improved slightly to 50.9 in January from December's neutral score of 50. The index ranges from 0 to 100. Any score above 50 suggests growth while a score below 50 suggests decline.

Creighton University economist Ernie Goss says growth is being restrained in rural areas because of low corn and fuel prices. But bankers say ethanol plants haven't slowed production much.

Despite the concerns, rural businesses have adding some jobs. The January hiring index was 52.8, down from December's 55.2.

Despite having no challenger in last November's election, Illinois lawmakers still had to take the oath of office as a new General Assembly was sworn in earlier this week.

Before family and friends, on local lawmaker says despite the many challenges, the day was meant to be a happy day as State Representative Bill Mitchell today took the oath of office to represent the 101st House district in the new 99th General Assembly.

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The budget along with economic development are topics and issues at the top of the list for Rep. Mitchell.

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All 118 house members were sworn in at noon Wednesday at Sangamon Auditorium at the University of Illinois at Springfield. The new 99th General Assembly will serve until January 2017.

The USDA this week announced it's newest conservation program, the Regional Conservation Partnership Program, and three Illinois projects have been targeted to be a part of the first round of the public-private partnership based program. Jared White has more...

The former Webster and Washington Elementary buildings in the Clinton School district are planned to be completely demolished and cleaned up by early summer.

With Webster School down, and Washington School being cleared for demolition, Superintendent Dr. Jeff Holmes says things are moving right along and the end of the month is not an unrealistic time frame to see both no longer standing.

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According to Dr. Holmes, once the process is finished, the properties will be turned to green space. That will be the final step for the contractors, whom, he explains are hired through the late spring months.

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The district has allowed the public, who wants to, access to bricks from the building as mementos of the site. According to Dr. Holmes there is a pile of bricks available at the recently demolished Webster School and there will be some available once Washington is brought down.

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Dr. Holmes estimates having all the debris from the sites removed by the second week of March.

He says a decision on the future of the properties has not been made, but once everything is finished, he anticipates the Board of Education sitting down to consider a decision.

(Baton Rouge, LA) -- A Baton Rouge man is being booked on charges of theft after refusing to reveal the identity of the LSU player who gave him game-used memorabilia to sell. The "Advocate" reports shoe store employee Fletcher Sanders is the seller of a pair of cleats and gloves worn in the Tigers' upset win over Ole Miss this fall. Sanders told police that he sold the gear for an LSU football player, but would not divulge the player's identity. He was booked into East Baton Rouge Parish Prison on counts of principal to theft and illegal possession of stolen items. This is not the first eBay listing for Sanders. His seller history shows nearly three-thousand-dollars worth of game-worn LSU gear.

>>EX-Penn State President To Face Trial On Sandusky Charges

(Harrisburg, PA) -- The former president of Penn State University and two other officials will go to trial on criminal charges related to the Jerry Sandusky sexual abuse scandal. The university's ex-President Gordon Spanier is accused of hampering the investigation into the assistant football coach's sexual molestation of boys. A Pennsylvania judge ruled that former Athletic Director Tim Curley and the school's ex-vice-President Gary Schultz will also face trial for failing to report suspected abuse by Sandusky to authorities. Sandusky was convicted in 2012 of molesting ten boys, some on the Penn State campus.

(Boston, MA) -- The Bulls are on the floor tonight taking on the Celtics in Boston. Chicago comes in at 26-and-14 after a loss to Washington on Wednesday. Boston is 13-and-24 following a loss to Atlanta on Wednesday.

>>Bucks Send Knicks To Franchise-Worst 16th Straight Loss

(London, England) -- O.J. Mayo led the Bucks with 22 points off the bench as Milwaukee sent the Knicks to their franchise-worst 16th straight loss with a 95-79 victory at O2 Arena in London. Brandon Knight added 20 points, six assists and six steals for the Bucks, who are 3-and-0 against the Knicks this season. Carmelo Anthony poured in 25 points in his return after missing six games with a knee injury. Travis Wear added 13 points off the bench and Jose Calderon chipped in with 11 for New York, which is an NBA-worst 5-and-36.

(Los Angeles, CA) -- Guard Austin Rivers is joining his father, Doc, with the Los Angeles Clippers. The Clippers have acquired Rivers in a three-team trade that sends forward Reggie Bullock from LA to Phoenix. The Suns will ship big man Shavlik Randolph to Boston along with Clippers swingman Chris Douglas-Roberts. Rivers will become the first son to play for his father. Coby Karl was a member of the Nuggets under his father George, but never saw the court in 2010. Los Angeles will also waive veteran guard Jordan Farmar to create room on the roster.

>>Report: Nets Looking To Move Lopez

(Undated) -- The Nets efforts to shake up the roster are continuing. Multiple outlets report Brooklyn is in three-way deal with the Thunder and Hornets that would see center Brook Lopez go to Oklahoma City. If the trade goes through it would become a homecoming for Charlotte guard Lance Stephenson as he would be shipped to the Nets. Stephenson played high school ball at Lincoln High School in Brooklyn. The Nets would also get Kendrick Perkins from the Thunder, while Jarrett Jack would head from New York City to Charlotte. The Hornets would also receive Jeremy Lamb and Grant Jerrett from OKC.

(St. Louis, MO) -- Pavel Datsyuk [[ PAV-el DAT-zook ]] scored with 2.2-seconds left in overtime to lift the Red Wings to a 3-2 win over the Blues in St. Louis. Joakim Andersson and Tomas Tatar scored a minute apart late in the second period for Detroit, which has won four of five. Petr Mrazek stopped 25 shots for the win. David Backes [[ BACK-es ]] and Alexander Steen scored in the third for St. Louis, which had won five straight. Brian Elliott made 21 saves in defeat.

Chicago said Thursday it will honor the six-time All-Star before a May 23 game against Minnesota.

Konerko will be the 11th player whose number is retired by the White Sox. That includes Jackie Robinson, whose No. 42 was retired for all of Major League Baseball in 1997.

Konerko spent 16 seasons with the White Sox and hit a grand slam in Game 2 of the 2005 World Series as Chicago swept Houston for its first title since 1917. He is the franchise leader in total bases (4,010), is second in home runs (432) behind Hall of Famer Frank Thomas and third in hits (2,292).

>>White Sox Avoid Arbitration With Three

(Chicago, IL) -- The White Sox have avoided arbitration with three players. Pitchers Javy Guerra, Nate Jones and Hector Noesi all agreed to one-year contracts. Guerra will make nearly 940-thousand-dollars while Jones will bring in 660-thousand. Noesi will make 1.95-million-dollars.

>>Cardinals Lock Up Lynn With Three-Year Contract

(St. Louis, MO) -- The St. Louis Cardinals are avoiding arbitration with pitcher Lance Lynn by agreeing to a three-year contract. CBSSports.com reports the deal is worth 22-million-dollars. It will cover the rest of Jones' arbitration-eligible years. Lynn is 49-and-28 with a 3.46 ERA since making his big league debut in 2011. The 27-year-old was taken by the Cardinals with the 39th overall pick in the 2008 draft. He went 15-and-10 with a 2.74 ERA in 33 starts last season.

>>Loe, Joyce Suspended 50 Games For Drug Violation

(New York, NY) -- Major League Baseball is suspending pitcher Kameron Loe and outfielder Terrell Joyce 50 games each. The penalties come after a second positive test for a drug of abuse. Loe last pitched in the majors in 2013, splitting time between the Mariners, Cubs and Braves. The 33-year-old pitched at the Triple-A level last year for three different teams. The 22-year-old Joyce played 53 games last season with Tri-City of the New York-Penn League, an affiliate of the Houston Astros. Both suspensions will begin as soon as either player signs with another major league team.

>>San Diego Awarded 2016 All-Star Game

(San Diego, CA) -- Major League Baseball's All-Star Game is coming to San Diego. The Padres have been awarded the 2016 All-Star Game, which will take place at Petco Park. MLB officials say the game will likely bring about 80-million-dollars in economic impact to San Diego. The Padres last hosted baseball's Midsummer Classic in 1992 at Jack Murphy Stadium, which the American League won 13-6. It will be San Diego's third All-Star Game overall.

>>Baseball To Implement Pitch-Clock In Minors

(Undated) -- Major League Baseball may not be ready for a pitch-clock, but it's making its way to the minors. Fox Sports reports pitch-clocks will be implemented this season at the Double-A and Triple-A levels. The MLB "Pace of Game" committee explored ways to speed up games after the league set a record in 2014 with a game-time average of three hours and eight minutes. The average is up 30 minutes since 1984. The pitch-clock was used during the Arizona Fall League, and pitchers had 20 seconds to come set on the rubber. Exceeding the pitch-clock would result in a ball added to a batter's count.

>>Rangers Agree To Terms With Feliz

(Arlington, TX) -- The Texas Rangers have agreed to terms with pitcher Neftali Feliz on a one-year contract worth 4.125-million-dollars, avoiding arbitration. Feliz went 2-and-1 with 13 saves and a 1.99 ERA in 30 games last season after coming back from Tommy John surgery. He pitched in only 14 games combined over the previous two years.

(Seattle, WA) -- The Green Bay Packers head to the Emerald City to go up against the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship Game Sunday at CenturyLink Field. It's a rematch of the season opener back in September in which the Seahawks began defense of their Super Bowl championship with a 36-16 victory. Marshawn Lynch ran for 110 yards and two scores in that game. Green Bay got by Dallas 26-21 in the Division Round last weekend to advance with the help of an overturned call on an apparent Dez Bryant catch near the end zone. Seattle handled Carolina 31-17 behind three touchdown passes from Russell Wilson. The Packers and Seahawks both went 12-and-4 during the regular season to win the NFC North and West, respectively, and earn a first-round bye.

>>Colts Play Pats In AFC Championship Game

(Foxboro, MA) -- The Indianapolis Colts head to Foxboro to face the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game Sunday at Gillette Stadium. It's a rematch of last year's Divisional Round game in New England. The Pats won that game 43-22 with LeGarrette Blount [[ Blunt ]] rushing for four touchdowns and the defense picking off Colts quarterback Andrew Luck four times. New England also won 42-20 at Indianapolis in Week 11 of this season. The Pats have won five consecutive meetings against the Colts and are 16-and-4 at home all-time in the playoffs, including 13-and-3 under head coach Bill Belichick. New England rallied past Baltimore 35-31 last weekend to advance, while Indianapolis upset Denver 24-13 after beating Cincinnati in the Wild Card round the week before.

>>Cardinals' Arians, Bowles Win PFWA Awards

(Undated) -- The Arizona Cardinals' coaching staff is hauling in some awards for their 2014 season. The Pro Football Writers of America have named Bruce Arians the Coach of the Year and recently-departed defensive coordinator Todd Bowles the Assistant Coach of the Year. The two helped Arizona get off to a 9-and-1 start before injuries to two quarterbacks led to the Cardinals settling for a Wild Card playoff berth with an 11-and-5 record. Arians is 21-and-11 in two seasons as the Cardinals' head coach. Bowles ran the defense for Arians the last two seasons, but was just named the new head coach of the New York Jets.

>>Callahan To Join Redskins Staff

(Ashburn, VA) -- Bill Callahan is making his way from the Dallas Cowboys' coaching staff to the rival Washington Redskins'. ESPN reports Callahan has agreed to a three-year deal to join Jay Gruden's staff. Callahan is expected to work with the offense in some capacity, but his title is not yet known. Sean McVay is the Redskins offensive coordinator, which is the role Callahan held in Dallas. Callahan worked with Jay Gruden's brother, Jon, with the Oakland Raiders from 1998 to 2001, and then replaced Gruden as head coach in 2002.

>>Spagnuolo Returns As Giants Defensive Coordinator

(East Rutherford, NJ) -- Steve Spagnuolo [[ SPAG-no-loh ]] is going back to the New York Giants as defensive coordinator. The 55-year-old returns to the team he helped win Super Bowl 42 over the undefeated New England Patriots. He replaces Perry Fewell, who was fired after five seasons when the Giants finished 29th in total defense in 2014. Spagnuolo returns after unsuccessful stints as head coach of the St. Louis Rams and defensive coordinator of the New Orleans Saints. He has spent the past two years as a defensive assistant with the Baltimore Ravens.

>>Ryan Names Thurman Defensive Coordinator

(Orchard Park, NY) -- New Buffalo Bills head coach Rex Ryan is wasting no time in filling out his coaching staff. After taking over the reins on Monday, Ryan has hired close friend Dennis Thurman as defensive coordinator, along with seven more coaches who come to the Bills from the New York Jets' staff. Thurman served in the same role under Ryan with the Jets the last two seasons after four years as defensive backs coach.

>>Cardale Jones To Return To Ohio State

(Columbus, OH) -- Despite an amazing three-game starting run to a national championship, quarterback Cardale Jones is returning to Ohio State next season. Jones made his decision public Thursday afternoon.

Speculation grew that Jones would leave school and enter the NFL Draft after he tweeted earlier in the day that he was ready to announce a "life-changing decision." Jones says he's simply not ready for the NFL after just three collegiate starts. He added that he wants to graduate and be done with school before trying to play pro ball.

Jones came out of nowhere to lead the Buckeyes to the first-ever College Football Playoff National Championship after J.T. Barrett broke his ankle in the regular-season finale against Michigan. Jones took over under center and led OSU to wins over Wisconsin, Alabama and Oregon en route to a national championship. Barrett began the season as the starter after previous starter Braxton Miller was lost to a shoulder injury before the season even began.

(Champaign, IL) -- The Fighting Illini are home on Sunday to play the Hoosiers at the State Farm Center. Illinois is 12-and-6 and 2-and-3 in the Big Ten after defeating Northwestern on Wednesday. Indiana comes in at 13-and-4 and 3-and-1 in the conference after a win over Penn State on Tuesday.

>>Kaminsky Returns To Lineup As Wisconsin Tops Nebraska

Frank Kaminsky returned to the lineup from a concussion and helped No. 7 Wisconsin shake off Sunday's loss to Rutgers with a 70-55 win over the Nebraska Cornhuskers.

Kaminsky led the Badgers (16-2, 4-1 Big Ten) with 22 points and moved over 1,000 career points in the process.

Wisconsin got 13 points and seven rebounds from Nigel Hayes, and Sam Dekker and Bronson Koenig each chipped in 11. Koenig was in the starting lineup after Traevon Jackson broke his foot in Sunday's setback.

Nebraska (10-7, 2-3) was led by Terran Petteway with 27 points but only seven came in the second half. Shavon Shields, averaging 17.1 points per game, only added eight.

Governor Bruce Rauner isn't taking time to celebrate his arrival in the executive branch. On his first full day in office, he tackled ethics and he didn't have good news for state workers thinking about a different career path.

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Rauner says he wants to restore trust in Illinois.

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Rauner's executive order also requires all new employment contracts to be approved by the state budget office.

University of Illinois trustees are expected to freeze in-state tuition rates at the school's three campuses.

Trustees meet in Chicago on Thursday and will to vote on a plan announced last week to freeze tuition for the coming school year at current rates.

President Robert Easter said last week the university wants to make affordability a top priority.

The plan would freeze tuition at $12,036 a year in Urbana-Champaign, $10,584 at the Chicago campus and $9,405 in Springfield. State law guarantees first-year students at public universities their tuition won't increase for four years.

Tuition would increase by 2 percent for non-Illinois residents.

Tuition at universities across the country has increased sharply in recent years.

Trustees are also expected to approve Timothy L. Killeen's hiring as the next university president.

Registration for 4H Camp has begun and a couple changes have occurred for the process.

DeWitt County 4H participant have usually attended camp during a specific week in the summer. This year, the kids are able to attend camp any of the available weeks. Sherry Fulton, with the University of Illinois Extension, explains 4H members can sign up through February 28th. After that, anyone is able to register to attend camp.

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Registration is done on a first come first serve basis. Fulton encourages 4H members to register as soon as possible. She adds the summer event is one of their most popular yearly activities.

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Each week of camp runs for four nights according to Fulton. Kids will be able to participate in various recreational and artistic activities while interacting with many of their peers.

For more information, you can contact the Extension Office at 935-5764.

The Clinton Chamber of Commerce is readying for their Annual Dinner in 2015.

The dinner is the first big event of the year for the Clinton group and Executive Director Marian Brisard explains this year's event will include the auction that is always a part of the event, but it will not play the major role it usually does.

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With the abbreviated auction in 2015, Brisard indicates the chamber is introducing something new to this year's event. According to Brisard, a national group is going to be performing a murder, mystery for this year's dinner.

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Tickets for the annual Chamber dinner are on sale now. The event is January 31 with a social hour starting at 5 with the Chamber's annual meeting to follow.

Tickets can be purchased at the Clinton Chamber of Commerce by stopping in to their downtown office, or by calling 217-935-3364. Tickets are $35 for chamber members and $60 couple. Table of 8 is $240.

(Undated) -- The Cubs and Mariners have pulled a trade. Chicago sent lefty Mike Kickham to the M's for minor league pitcher Lars Huijer. Kickham was claimed off waivers from San Francisco after the Giants signed Jake Peavy. Huijer spent last season at two levels of Single-A.

>>Sox Sign Anderson

(Undated) -- The White Sox are bringing back former first-round pick Brian Anderson on a minor league deal. He was selected 15th overall in 2003 by the Sox but never lived up to expectations. He hit .227 with 22 home runs and 80 RBI in five seasons with Chicago and Boston.

>>Cardinals' Jay Cleared For Baseball Activity

(St. Louis, MO) -- Cardinals center fielder Jon Jay is being cleared to resume baseball activity after having his surgically-repaired wrist examined this week. He had a damaged ligament repaired back in October. Jay says he'll begin swinging soon and expects to be ready in time for spring training.

>>Yankees Agree To One-Year Deal With Nova

(Bronx, NY) -- The New York Yankees are avoiding arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, 3.3-million-dollar contract with pitcher Ivan Nova. The 28-year-old right-hander went 2-and-2 with an 8.27 ERA in four starts last year before season-ending Tommy John surgery. Nova was 37-and-18 in three years before that.

>>Report: Astros Acquire Gattis From Braves

(Houston, TX) -- The Houston Astros are adding a power bat to their lineup. ESPN reports the Astros have acquired catcher Evan Gattis from the Atlanta Braves for three minor-league prospects. The 28-year-old slugger hit .263 with 22 home runs and 52 RBI's last season. Gattis, who has also played first base and left field, has 43 home runs in two seasons. Atlanta receives right-handed pitchers Mike Foltynewicz and Andrew Thurman and third baseman Rio Ruiz in return.

Clippard, 29, spent the past seven seasons with the Nationals, compiling a 34-24 record with 34 saves and a 2.68 ERA in 414 games. The two-time All-Star was 7-4 with a 2.18 in 75 appearances last year.

The A's had acquired Escobar from Tampa Bay on Saturday in a trade that also landed them Ben Zobrist.

Escobar, 32, batted .258 with seven home runs and 39 RBI in 137 games for the Rays last season. He has hit .276 with 69 homers and 393 RBI in 1,074 career games for Atlanta, Toronto and Tampa Bay.

(St. Louis, MO) -- The Blues welcome the Red Wings to Scottrade Center tonight. It's the fourth of a seven-game homestand for St. Louis, which doubled up Edmonton 4-2 on Tuesday for its fifth straight win. Detroit beat Buffalo 3-1 on Tuesday and has won three-of-four and six of its last nine games.

>>Blues' Brodeur Takes Leave Of Absence

(St. Louis, MO) -- Blues backup goalie Martin Brodeur [[ bro-DURE ]] is taking a one-week leave of absence. The 42-year-old signed a one-year deal in early December. Brodeur has played in seven games for St. Louis, but hasn't even suited up the last five. His future will be determined upon his return.

>>Toews Named ASG Captain

(New York, NY) -- Blackhawks forward Jonathan Toews [[ Tayvz ]] will serve as one of the captains for this year's All-Star Game. Nick Foligno of the Blue Jackets will be the other in his hometown of Columbus. Chicago's Patrick Kane will be an assistant captain for Foligno, while Anaheim's Ryan Getzlaf and Rick Nash of the Rangers will be assistants for Toews. The fantasy draft is next Friday while the All-Star Game is two days later on January 25th.

(Chicago, IL) -- For the second time in six days the Wizards sunk the Bulls,105-99, this time at the United Center. Washington beat Chicago by six on January 9th at home. Paul Pierce led the way with 22 points and six rebounds. John Wall added 21 points and nine assists as the Wizards won for the fourth time in five games. Derrick Rose exploded for 32 points and found the touch from behind the arc, knocking down six of nine threes. Joakim Noah only played 13 minutes after suffering a right ankle injury. Jimmy Butler scored 13 points, but shot 3-of-10 from the field. The Bulls have lost four of five.

Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers was selected as the 2014 NFL Most Valuable Player, chosen in voting conducted by the Professional Football Writers of America (PFWA).

The PFWA also announced that Dallas Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray was selected as the 2014 Offensive Player of the Year, and Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt was named the 2014 Defensive Player of the Year.

Rodgers, 10-year veteran who led a prolific Packers offense with 38 touchdown passes and 4,381 passing yards, is the 40th MVP honored by the PFWA. This the second MVP award for Rodgers, who also was selected in 2011.

Rodgers started all 16 games in 2014 and completed 65.6 percent of his passes for 4,381 yards, 38 touchdowns and a 112.2 passer rating with a career-low five interceptions as the Packers went 12-4 in the regular season.

>>Bears Interview Fox

(Lake Forest, IL) -- The Bears are still looking to replace Marc Trestman. Reports say former Broncos head coach John Fox met with the Bears on Wednesday to discuss their open position. Fox and Denver split ways after the team lost to the Colts in the Divisional Round.

>>49ers Promoting Jim Tomsula To Head Coach

(Santa Clara, CA) -- The San Francisco 49ers are promoting from within for the franchise's next head coach. The Niners have agreed to terms with defensive line coach Jim Tomsula [[ tom-SOO-luh ]] to replace the departed Jim Harbaugh. Tomsula will be formally introduced as the 19th head coach in team history on Thursday. The 46-year-old has been head coach for San Francisco before, serving as interim coach in the final game of the 2010 season after Mike Singletary was fired. Tomsula has been defensive line coach for the 49ers since 2007.

>>Jets Hire Todd Bowles As Head Coach

(Florham Park, NJ) -- Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator Todd Bowles is the new head coach of the New York Jets. Bowles takes over for Rex Ryan to become the franchise's 18th head coach. The 51-year-old had been with Arizona the past two seasons, and in 2013 had one of the top rushing defenses in the league. Bowles takes over a Jets squad that finished 4-and-12, but had a top-five defense against the run. The former NFL safety returns to the Jets, where he previously coached in 2000. Bowles was born and raised in Elizabeth, New Jersey. He replaces Rex Ryan, who is now the head coach of the Buffalo Bills.

>>Colts' McNary Charged With Rape

(Indianapolis, IN) -- Indianapolis Colts linebacker Josh McNary is being charged with rape. The "Indianapolis Star" reports McNary is facing one count of rape, one count of criminal confinement and one count of battery. The incident in question allegedly happened in downtown Indianapolis on December 1st. The U.S. Military Academy product recorded 28 total tackles and a half-sack, but primarily played on special teams in 15 games this season for the Colts. According to a league source, the team was unaware of the investigation and is seeking additional information. The Colts play the Patriots in the AFC title game on Sunday.

>>Seahawks' Quinn Favorite For Falcons Head Coaching Job

(Flowery Branch, GA) -- The Atlanta Falcons apparently have their eye on Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn. ESPN's Adam Schefter reports Quinn is the favorite to become the next head coach of the Falcons, who fired Mike Smith after a seven-year run. With the Seahawks still in the playoffs, Quinn has been unable to meet with teams for another round of interviews. He previously interviewed for the Jets' job, but that went to Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator Todd Bowles. The Falcons are also talking to Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Teryl Austin, but Quinn is considered the leading contender.

>>Report: Redskins To Hire Joe Barry As New DC

(Ashburn, VA) -- The Redskins are making moves to hire a new defensive coordinator. NFL Network is reporting Washington plans to hire Joe Barry to fill the position. Barry has been the San Diego Chargers linebackers coach since 2011, and before that served as defensive coordinator for Detroit. The Redskins have been looking for a new defensive coach since mutually parting ways with Jim Haslett two weeks ago.

>>Raiders Name Del Rio Head Coach

Jack Del Rio is an NFL head coach again.

According to multiple reports, Del Rio has reached an agreement with the Oakland Raiders, meaning the 51-year-old will move from one of the NFL's best teams over the past three seasons to one of its worst.

NFL.com reported that Del Rio will receive a four-year contract. He will become the Raiders' seventh full-time head coach since 2004.

Del Rio joins the Raiders after two seasons as defensive coordinator for AFC West rival Denver. The Broncos had the NFL's third-ranked defense during the regular season, a jump of 11 places from Del Rio's first year at the helm.

He was head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars from 2003 until he was fired in 2011 near the end of his ninth season. The Jaguars were 68-71 under Del Rio, making the playoffs twice.

He takes over on a full-time basis for Dennis Allen, who was fired by Oakland in September after the Raiders lost their first four games. Allen was 8-28 in two-plus season at the helm.

Former Miami Dolphins head coach Tony Sparano served as interim coach for the Raiders after Allen's firing, leading them to a 3-9 mark the rest of the way.

>>Oregon QB Mariota to Enter NFL Draft

As expected, Oregon junior quarterback Marcus Mariota, winner of the Heisman Trophy for the 2014 season, is entering the 2015 NFL draft.

Mariota announced his decision in a release Wednesday.

Mariota's decision to go pro comes two days after the Ducks' 42-20 loss to Ohio State in the national title game.

A three-year starter, Mariota led Oregon to a 36-5 record, and set an NCAA record by passing for a touchdown in all 41 career starts. He became the first player in Pac-12 history to account for 5,000 yards of total offense in a single season, reaching 5,224 on Monday in the title game, and he became the first player in FBS history to finish a season with a plus-50 ratio of touchdowns (58) to turnovers (seven).

It's possible that Mariota could go to Tampa Bay as the first overall pick in the draft.

Nunn had a hand in two of the game's flashiest plays on consecutive Illinois possessions in the second half. The Chicago native fed Nnanna Egwu for a big dunk, and then showed off his athleticism when he slammed home an alley-oop from Jaylon Tate for a 43-35 lead with 16:58 remaining.

>>Indiana State Comes Back To Beat Illinois State in OT

Tre' Bennett sank a layup in the final seconds of overtime to give Indiana State a 71-70 victory over Illinois State on Wednesday night.

Bennett's game-winning shot came with three seconds to play in overtime after Illinois State had taken a 70-69 lead on a Daishon Knight jumper with 21 seconds remaining. Bennett finished with 12 points for the Sycamores (9-8, 5-0, Missouri Valley Conference).

The Sycamores took advantage of Illinois State turnovers in the second period to open a 44-39 lead midway, then stretched it to 51-41 on a Brenton Scott 3-pointer with 8:23 to play. The Redbirds (10-7, 2-3) came back to take a 56-52 lead on an 8-1 run with 4:15 left. Later, the Sycamores tied it 62-62 on a pair of free throws by Khristian Smith in the final seconds of regulation, sending the game into overtime.

Knight scored 21 points for the Redbirds.

>>Illinois Wesleyan Crushes Millikin

Illinois Wesleyan shot 61 percent from the field and made 10 3-pointers in the first half en route to a 93-60 win over Millikin at the Shirk Center on Wednesday, Jan. 14.

Senior Jordan Nelson had seven 3-pointers and finished with a career best 28 points.

Junior TJ Griffin was the only Millikin player in double figures scoring 21 points.

The Titans improved to 11-4 overall and 3-1 in the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin. Millikin fell to 6-9 overall and 1-3 in the CCIW.

As heard on 92.3 FM WHOW and streamed live on dewittdailynews.com, the Clinton Lady Maroons lost to the Tuscola Lady Warriors Thursday night 61-54.

For the Lady Maroons (8-11), Haley Ginger lead the team with 16 points, with Peyton Bieber following behind with 14 points. Jessica Scott and Megan Tool also helped the team adding 12 and 10 points.

For the Lady Warriors (13-4), Madeline Meinhold lead the game with 19 points. Emma Henderson was right behind on the team with 15 points. Halley McCroy and Anna Kauffman also helped the team with 13 and 10 points.

Tune into WHOW and stream live on dewittdailynews.com next Thursday at 7:30 pm as the Clinton Lady Marrons travel to Warrensburg-Latham to take on the Lady Cardinals.

That's the word from Illinois GOP Chairman Tim Schneider. While excitements remains over the Governor's office returning to Republican control, Schneider says it's time to work at expanding the party's base.

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Schneider thinks inroads were made in November with Governor Bruce Rauner's success in dominating the independent vote.

The chief sponsor of the state's medical marijuana law is fighting to save the legislation that was passed by former Governor Quinn but never acted on before he left office. Representative Lou Lang says Quinn has put the program on thin ice.

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Lang, a Skokie Democrat, plans to meet with Rauner in the hope that the new Governor will get the stalled program off the ground. Rauner's office will only say the law is under review.

School leaders across the state are excited about the prospects of change thanks to an initiative taken on by their peers.

Vision 20/20 outlines reforms to education put together by school leaders within the school systems. According to Dr. Kristen Kendrick-Weikle, Vision 20/20 is giving the school leaders on the front lines a voice in the policies that are made that effect them.

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There are four "pillars" that make up Vision 20/20 and for Dr. Kendrick-Weikle, she feels the financing of schools is at the top of her list. She explains the financial focus seeks only to make the best use of the money going to schools, and does not endorse one plan over another.

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Dr. Kendrick-Weikle is excited for her and her peers to have a louder voice among Illinois lawmakers. She feels the public education system can and should be successful, and Vision 20/20 can help bring public education to a better place.

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Dr. Kendrick-Weikle says cooperation with lawmakers is going to be crucial, but also, understanding and cooperation from the public will be even bigger. She hopes to be able to send the same message to lawmakers about what things need to be done in education as informing the public about Vision 20/20 takes place.

Patrick Reed defeated Jimmy Walker in a playoff on Monday at the Hyundai Tournament of Champions to win for the fourth time on the PGA Tour, and with the victory Reed moved up to a career- best 14th in this week's world rankings.

Reed, who was previously No. 23 in the world, vaulted nine spots to No. 14 following the playoff win in Hawaii.

The inaugural College Football Playoff National Championship is celebrating winning ratings from viewers. ESPN's telecast of Ohio State's 42-20 win over Oregon at AT&T Stadium delivered an 18.5 overnight rating. That marks a 21-percent increase over the 2014 BCS National Championship between Florida State and Auburn, which drew a 15.3 rating last year.

(Los Angeles, CA) -- The Los Angeles Dodgers are avoiding arbitration with catcher A.J. Ellis. CBS Sports reports the two sides have agreed to a one-year, 4.25-million-dollar contract. The 33-year-old Ellis has hit .242 with 28 home runs in seven seasons with the Dodgers.

>>Yankees Acquire Chris Martin From Rockies

(Bronx, NY) -- The New York Yankees have acquired pitcher Chris Martin from the Colorado Rockies for cash considerations. The 28-year-old made his major league debut last season and went 0-and-0 with a 6.89 ERA in 15 and two thirds innings spanning 16 appearances. Martin struck out 14 and walked only four. He has a 3.25 ERA with 230 strikeouts in 249 minor league innings. To make room, the Yankees designated pitcher Gonzalez German for assignment.

>>Royals Extend Ned Yost

(Kansas City, MO) -- The Kansas City Royals are rewarding manager Ned Yost with a contract extension. The 60-year-old skipper is now under contract through the 2016 season. Yost guided the Royals to the franchise's first postseason appearance and World Series berth since 1985 last season. He is 373-and-402 since taking over the managerial duties for KC in 2010. Yost finished third in American League Manager of the Year voting last season.

>>D'backs Sign Cuban Right-Hander

(Phoenix, AZ) -- The Arizona Diamondbacks are adding their second free agent from Cuba this offseason. "Baseball America" reports right-hander Yoan Lopez has agreed to a contract worth 8.25-million-dollars. The 21-year-old features a low-90s fastball and registered a 3.12 ERA in seven starts during his last season in Cuba. He is expected to start 2015 in Single-A. The signing puts the D'backs well beyond their allotted international signing pool space for the 2014-15 signing period. They will not be able to sign anyone for more than 300-thousand-dollars for the next two signing periods. The Snakes inked Cuba slugger Yasmany Tomas to a six-year, 68.5-million-dollar contract in November.

(Chicago, IL) -- The Bulls welcome the Wizards to the United Center this evening. Chicago suffered a 121-114 loss to the Magic its last time out on Monday. The Bulls also fell to the Wizards in Washington last Friday, 102-86. Tonight's game is at 7:00.

>>Timberwolves Top Pacers To End 15-Game Skid

(Indianapolis, IN) -- The Timberwolves put an end to their 15-game losing streak with a 110-101 win over the Pacers in Indiana. Mo Williams poured in a career-high 52 points for Minnesota, which won for the first time since December 10th. The Wolves also earned their first road victory since November 28th. C.J. Miles dropped in 22 points for the Pacers, who have lost two straight and three-of-four. C.J. Watson ended with 17 points in defeat.

(Denver, CO) -- The Denver Nuggets and Boston Celtics are swapping veteran point guards. Yahoo! Sports reports the Nuggets are dealing Nate Robinson to the Celtics in exchange for Jameer Nelson. The 30-year-old Robinson is averaging close to six points per contest in 33 games this season. He returns to Boston, where he played parts of two seasons in 2010 and 2011. Nelson was acquired by the Celtics from Dallas last month. He's averaging close to seven points and four-and-a-half assists per game this season.

(St. Louis, MO) -- David Backes [[ BACK-es ]] and Vladimir Tarasenko [[ tare-uh-SANK-oh ]] tallied a goal and an assist each as the Blues doubled up the Oilers 4-2 at Scottrade Center. Jaden Schwartz and Alexander Steen also scored for the Blues, who have won five in-a-row. Jake Allen had to make just 13 saves for the victory. Benoit Pouliot [[ BEN-wah POO-lee-ott ]] scored twice in the third period for Edmonton, which has dropped three of four. Ben Scrivens stopped 25 shots in the setback.

>>Islanders Cool Off Rangers

(New York, NY) -- Jaroslav Halak denied all 27 shots he faced and the Islanders scored three times in the second period to sink the Rangers, 3-0, at Madison Square Garden. Anders Lee, Nikolay Kulemin and Frans Nielsen had the goals for the Islanders, who have won both meetings with their bitter rival this season. Henrik Lundqvist allowed all three goals on 32 shots before being lifted for Cam Talbot, who made 12 saves the rest of the way. The Rangers lost for only the second time in their last 15 games.

Marrone exercised an opt-out clause in his contract two weeks ago after leading Buffalo to its best finish in a decade, leaving some players stunned and unhappy with him. The Bills went 9-7 for their first winning season since 2004 but extended the NFL's longest active postseason drought to 15 seasons.

They went 15-17 in two seasons under Marrone.

A former NFL offensive lineman, Marrone was the Saints' offensive coordinator from 2006-08 and worked with new Bears general manager Ryan Pace.

>>Bowles Tabbed As Jets Head Coach

(Undated) -- The New York Jets are the latest team to fill their head coaching vacancy. According to ESPN, Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator Todd Bowles will be the new coach of the Jets. The team has reportedly given Bowles a four-year deal shortly after also hiring new general manager Mike Maccagnan. Bowles takes over for Rex Ryan, who was fired by the team shortly after the regular season ended. The 51-year-old has been with Arizona the past two seasons, and in 2013 had one of the top rushing defenses in the league. Bowles will take over a Jets squad that finished 4-and-12, but had a top-five defense against the run.

>>Schwartz Out As Bills' Defensive Coordinator

(Orchard Park, NY) -- Jim Schwartz is out after just one season as defensive coordinator of the Buffalo Bills. New head coach Rex Ryan says Schwartz did a great job, but they have released him to give him the chance to pursue other opportunities. Ryan will bring in his own coordinator after replacing head coach Doug Marrone, who opted out of his contract after the season. Schwartz took over the defense after Mike Pettine [[ PET-in ]] left to become the head coach of the Cleveland Browns. Prior to the 2014 season, Schwartz spent five years as the head coach of the Detroit Lions.

>>Steelers Name Keith Butler Defensive Coordinator

(Pittsburgh, PA) -- The Pittsburgh Steelers are promoting linebackers coach Keith Butler to defensive coordinator. Butler takes the place of Dick LeBeau, who resigned last week after 16 seasons in the Steelers' organization. The 58-year-old coached the linebackers for 12 years under LeBeau, and helped the team to two Super Bowls wins. He has also coached for the Cleveland Browns, the University of Memphis, and served as defensive coordinator at Arkansas State.

>>Cowboys Working To Extend Garrett

Jason Garrett is close to a new five-year contract agreement to remain the Dallas Cowboys' head coach, according to multiple media reports.

Garrett led the Cowboys to the playoffs this season for the first time since 2009. The Cowboys captured the NFC East title with a 12-4 record and then beat the Detroit Lions in the wild-card round before losing to the Green Bay Packers in the divisional round Sunday.

The 48-year-old Garrett became the Cowboys' interim head coach in the middle of the 2010 season, replacing Wade Phillips, who was fired following the team's 1-7 start.

Dallas finished the season 5-3 under Garrett, earning him the job on a full- time basis.

The Cowboys went 8-8 in each of the next three seasons, losing Week 17 games to division opponents to miss the playoffs each time.

>>Rams' Donald, Gaines, Mason Honored By Pro Football Writers

(New York, NY) -- Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald is the NFL's Defensive Rookie of the Year. He was selected by the Pro Football Writers of America after leading all NFL rookies with nine sacks. Rams cornerback E.J. Gaines and running back Tre Mason were also named to the all-rookie team.

Seth Tuttle scored 15 points and sank four late free throws to help No. 23 Northern Iowa beat Bradley 63-52 in a Missouri Valley Conference game on Tuesday.

The Panthers (15-2, 4-1) dominated the Braves both offensively and defensively early, leading 29-9 at one point late in the first half. Natt Buss and Paul Jesperson chipped in 11 and 9 points respectively for Northern Iowa.

Northern Iowa's ninth-ranked defense made its presence felt in the opening minute, forcing a turnover and a quick two points off Bradley's first possession of the game. The Panthers led 35-18 at the half.

>>Illinois At Northwestern Tomorrow

(Evanston, IL) -- Illinois has a road date with Northwestern tonight at 8 p.m. The Fighting Illini are coming off a 53-43 loss at Nebraska on Sunday. Illinois is 11-and-6 overall and 0-and-3 in Big Ten play. The Wildcats have lost two straight to Wisconsin and Michigan State to fall to 10-and-6 and 1-and-2.

>>Miami Upsets Duke At Cameron Indoor Stadium

When Duke heads to Louisville for Saturday's marquee matchup with Louisville, it'll do so having dropped back-to-back ACC games for the first time in six years.

Manu Lecomte scored 18 of his 23 points in the second half, leading a torrid shooting display from Miami-Florida after the break that propelled the Hurricanes to a stunning 90-74 upset of the fourth-ranked Blue Devils.

Miami (12-4, 2-1 ACC) halted the nation's longest home win streak in emphatic fashion, putting up 56 second-half points on an 18-of-27 effort from the field that included six makes in nine attempts from 3-point range.

Quinn Cook did finish with 18 points in the loss, with Jahlil Okafor compiling 15 with 15 rebounds for the Blue Devils and Amile Jefferson posting 14 points and 12 boards.

The Blackhawks will be back in action on Friday when they host the Jets at the United Center. Chicago skated to a 4-1 win over the Wild its last time out on Sunday. The 'Hawks enter the week with 58 points on the season.

Nikola Vucevic had 33 points and 11 rebounds, and the Orlando Magic shot 59 percent from the field in a 121-114 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Monday night.

Victor Oladipo also scored 33 points in Orlando's first win in Chicago since an 83-82 victory on Dec. 16, 2013. The Magic had lost three in a row and 12 of 15 against the Bulls since the start of the 2010-11 season.

Vucevic was 16 for 24 from the field in his NBA-best 23rd double-double of the season. The terrific performance for the 7-foot center included a drive and left-handed dunk over forward Pau Gasol late in third period.

ESPN reports the Bears will interview Lions defensive coordinator Teryl Austin for their head coaching position. The 49-year-old Austin has also previously coached with the Seahawks, Cardinals and Ravens, but has never been a head coach.

It didn't take John Fox long to start getting looks for other head coaching opportunities. ESPN reported Fox will interview with the Bears regarding their head coach vacancy in the near future. He is not a lock to get the job. The Broncos and Fox parted ways after four seasons on Monday, with Denver releasing him from his contract.

Illinois is on the road again tomorrow night at Northwestern. The Fighting Illini lost 53-43 at Nebraska on Sunday. That was their third loss in four Big Ten games this season. Illinois is 11-and-6 overall. The Wildcats have lost two straight to Wisconsin and Michigan State to fall to 10-and-6.

Community groups working toward improved Illinois neighborhoods will have free admission to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum on Martin Luther King Day.

The civil rights leader's birthday is celebrated Jan. 19 as a national holiday. King once said that "greatness is determined by service."

Community organizations may bring groups to the museum at no charge that day. The usual admission price is $12 for adults and $6 for children.

Groups must have 15 or more people and have one chaperone for each 10 children.

The library and museum will also give discounts to those who buy gloves for the homeless. Through the end of January, the gift shop is selling gloves for $2.99 that will be donated to Springfield's homeless.

New Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner and his wife, Diana, have danced to a song performed by country artist Toby Keith at their inaugural celebration.

The governor and first lady chose Keith's "You Shouldn't Kiss me Like This" as they were introduced to a roaring crowd at a Springfield convention center Monday night.

Rauner eschewed a traditional inaugural ball for more casual festivities. Both he and the first lady wore jeans. Attendees ate barbecue and ice cream and could drink beer and cocktails for $125 a ticket.

Keith was preceded by blues artist Buddy Guy and a band of Illinois lawmakers called the Boat Drink Caucus.

Rauner's swearing-in took place at the same facility earlier in the day.

With yesterday's changing of the guard in the Governor's office, one thing was missing, the outgoing Governor. Pat Quinn was a no show for the inauguration ceremony at the Prairie Capital Convention Center. Quinn focused his energies on his final hours in office, signing multiple bills, granting clemencies, landing spots for political allies in state government. Quinn seemed to have the campaign in mind when he issued an executive order demanding governors make their tax returns available for public inspection each spring. Bruce Rauner had rejected demands to release his complete income tax returns. While Quinn was unable to push through a higher minimum wage, he did issue an executive order requiring state vendors and subcontractors pay a minimum wage of $10 an hour. Quinn tackled more clemency requests, granting 43 and rejecting 119. He also signed a bill regulating the new ride sharing companies like Uber and Lyft that have operated in Chicago and recently arrived in Springfield. Quinn named former Governor Jim Thompson, and the wives of House Speaker Michael Madigan and Senate President John Cullerton to serve on the state's bicentennial commission. Outgoing State Board of Education Chairman Gery Chico and longtime Illinois Education Association Chief Cinda Klickna have also been named to that commission.

2015 could be another interesting year in Clinton. Another election looms this spring, economic development remains a point of emphasis and likely financial challenges await the City of Clinton in 2015.

Yesterday we outlined what Clinton Mayor Carolyn Peters saw as successes in 2014, but she says 2015 will hold it's separate share of challenges. She points to economic development as priority number one in the community.

[audio:113152015challenge1.mp3] [/audio]

While economic development is a major focal point for the Mayor and her staff, she recognizes Clinton is a bedroom community, but she feels having a solid business foundation is good for the tax base.

[audio:113152015challenge2.mp3] [/audio]

Financially, the Mayor says there is not extra and the city is "keeping up". She feels there are plenty of challenges as it relates to the city's infrastructure. Mayor Peters explains roads, dilapidated buildings and empty lots are just some of the areas she sees as challenges facing the city financially.

[audio:113152015challenge3.mp3] [/audio]

According to the Mayor, it could cost upwards of $10-thousand to bring down a building, and then resell the lot is only around $3-thousand, putting the city in a hole with that process alone. Because of the cost, she explains it limits how many properties they can take on in a year.

A Friday afternoon fire on Clinton's east side destroyed part of an apartment complex.

At approximately 3 pm Friday afternoon, the Clinton Fire Department responded to an apartment complex on Clinton's east side near Route 54. Upon arrival, Fire Chief Shawn Milton indicates the apartment was completely engulfed in flames.

[audio:11415fridayfire1.mp3] [/audio]

Friday was bitter cold and was very windy in the afternoon. Chief Milton explains that made fighting the fire that much more difficult.

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While the entire complex was not effected, the Chief explains there was a two story portion of the building that was. Chief Milton notes the second story collapsed and it is unlikely it can be restored in it's current state.

Cut 3: fridayfire3 :49 CUE: itself

Crews were on scene around 10:30 Friday night. Chief Milton explains on top of leaving at 10:30, they had to return to the firehouse and do a lot of maintenance because of the weather conditions.

Chief Milton continues to encourage residents to keep their smoke alarms up to date with good batteries and to be cautious with space heaters during the winter months.

Non-life threatening injuries were all that was reported as part of a head on collision on Route 10 in Clinton Monday night.

At approximately 5 pm, a Chevy Silverado driven by 33-year old Jeremy D. Duffer collided head on with a Mitsibishi Lancer driven by Robert. L Butler III. According to the DeWitt County Sheriff's Deparment, Duffer was westbound on Route 10, a quarter mile from the Logan/DeWitt County line, when he lost control of his Silverado, over corrected, and ended up in the westbound lane, colliding with Butler.

Both drivers and a passenger in Butler's vehicle were transported by EMS for non-life threatening injuries.

Traffic was slowed and redirected for nearly an hour while the scene was cleaned up.

NEW GOVERNOR BRUCE RAUNER SAYS HE’S READY TO WORK TOWARDS GETTING ILLINOIS BACK ON TRACK…BUT WARNS IT’S GOING TO TAKE SOME SACRIFICES.

GOVERNOR RAUNER SAYS HE WANTS TO MAKE ILLINOIS A COMPETITIVE STATE ONCE AGAIN AND TO FIX WHAT HE CALLS YEARS OF BAD MANAGEMENT, BAD BUDGETS AND INSIDER DEALS.

[audio:newgov1.mp3][/audio]

THAT SACRIFICE IS GOING TO START WITH GOVERNOR RAUNER’S FIRST ACT OF OFFICE…FREEZING NON-ESSENTIAL SPENDING AT STATE AGENCIES…AND A REVIEW OF EVERY CONTRACT SIGNED SINCE NOVEMBER FIRST. HE’S ALSO ESCHEWING SALARY AND BENEFITS FOR HIMSELF. He SAYS IT’S TIME TO BRING ILLINOIS BACK, AND MAKE IT A TOP STATE FOR JOBS, EDUCATION AND AS A PLACE TO LIVE. HE SAYS HE WON’T BOW TO SPECIAL INTERESTS OR NEGOTIATE SWEETHEART DEALS.

[audio:newgov2.mp3][/audio]

RAUNER SAYS MAKING ILLINOIS GREAT AGAIN WON’T BE EASY AND WILL REQUIRE SOME TOUGH DECISIONS. HE IS ORDERING ALL STATE AGENCIES TO FREEZE NON-ESSENTIAL SPENDING AND WILL FORGO A GOVERNOR’S SALARY AND BENEFITS. RAUNER ALSO PLANS TO SIGN AN EXECUTIVE ORDER TO IMPROVE ETHICS IN STATE GOVERNMENT AND WILL ASK THE LEGISLATURE TO PASS AN ECONOMIC AND JOBS PACKAGE.

That’s the message from a panel to lawmakers about the reports of abuse at facilities contracted through the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.

[audio:INNRFD010715DCFS21m16s.mp3] [/audio]

Other panelists say it’s not just residential care, there are also problems of consistent oversight by investigative agencies within DCFS. Among the many recommendation experts and advocates suggested is for the agency to work at reducing the number of times a child in state custody is transferred from one facility to another. Agency Director Bobbie Gregg will step down with the transition to the new Rauner administration later this month.

In the wake of reports concerning neglect and abuse with facilities contracted through the Department of Children and Family Services, the director of the state agency is on her way out.

Bobbie Gregg told a panel of lawmakers Wednesday she is stepping down after January 19th. Illinois News Network has more:

[audio:INNRFD010715DCFS11m.mp3] [/audio]

The hearing on abuses included recommendations from advocacy groups and even former wards of the state. Some of those suggestions are to having a lockbox for wards to provide tips and reports about their care inside residential facilities that only DCFS officials can access. Rethinking therapy options and include more children in panel discussions were also provided as recommendations.

He will not be on hand for today's inauguration ceremony for the man who defeated him in November because he says he'll be walking unti his term is officialy over. Over the weekend, he vetoed a bill that would have cleared the way for bobcat hunting in Illinois for the first time in more than four decades.

He maintains bobcats are "a valuable part of Illinois' ecosystem and continue to need protection."

Incoming Governor Bruce Rauner has been releasing some key appointment selections since Friday.

Another expected on Monday is the selection of former Illinois Farm Bureau President Phillip Nelson as Director of Agriculture. Nelson, from LaSalle county is an active farmer fitting in with Rauners statements that he would seek out an active farmer to fill the post.

Senator Dick Durbin knows Governor Elect Bruce Rauner will have his hands full as a political rookie trying to "Shake up Springfield" as he pledged in his campaign commercials. Durbin says Rauner will face some heavy financial questions.

[audio:Durbinfinance1.mp3] [/audio]

While Rauner has talked about running government like a business in various ways, Durbin says that's not always realistic.

[audio:Durbingovtasbusiness.mp3] [/audio]

Durbin will take in some early Inaugural events this weekend but he'll be forced to leave early because he's the top democrat in the US Senate for the time being as Senator Harry Reid recovers from an accident that occurred when he was working out.

Bruce Rauner will take the oath of office as governor Monday during a ceremony that begins at 11 a.m.

Rauner will be the first Republican governor in a dozen years and the state's 42nd.

The new governor's swearing in will be followed by those of Republican Lt. Gov. Evelyn Sanguinetti (san-gwin-NET'-tee), Democratic Attorney General Lisa Madigan and Secretary of State Jesse White, appointed Republican Comptroller Leslie Munger and Michael Frerichs (FRAYR'-ikz), the Democratic treasurer.

The event will feature a moment of silence for Judy Baar Topinka, who was elected to a second term as comptroller but died suddenly in December.

Rauner will have an Old State Capitol open house and the night will be capped by a concert by country star Toby Keith.

Governor Elect Bruce Rauner will be sworn in today, and one local lawmaker is outlining the challenges the soon-to-be governor faces.

According to Sen. Chapin Rose, Illinois has been on a "12 year spending binge" and the short term outlook is not going to be good, but he feels it will pay off in the long term.

[audio:11215rosechallenge1.mp3] [/audio]

The budget is going to be challenge number one for the Rauner administration and Sen. Rose says while it is in bad shape, it is not irreversible.

[audio:11215rosechallenge2.mp3] [/audio]

Rauner is a very succesful venture capitalist and Sen. Rose says his entrepreneurial spirit is something that stands out to him. He feels Illinois is well suited for expansion in business opportunities.

[audio:11215rosechallenge3.mp3] [/audio]

Sen. Rose says the wild card of Rauner's tenure will be, can he work with Speaker Mike Madigan and Senate President John Cullerton. He is encouraged by the early framework Rauner is putting in place in his early efforts to work with the two.

As the book has closed on 2014, the leader of the City of Clinton is looking back fondly.

Completed projects and new endeavors highlight the 2014 calendar year for Clinton Mayor Carolyn Peters. She explains the completion of the square renovations was perhaps the highlight to the year for her, as Mayor.

[audio:11215clinton141.mp3] [/audio]

The expansion of Kleemann Road on the west side of US Highway 51 was recently completed, and the Mayor feels, while it took a while, that should provide the community with more opportunities for expansion.

[audio:11215clinton142.mp3] [/audio]

In 2014, Monicals and Jimmy John's opened new locations in Clinton, the Mayor feels their presence in the Douglas addition has been very positive along with the new Richland Community College Education Center.

She also points to starting plans for a new fire station and a multi-purpose pathway as other highlights from 2014.

She feels economic development will continue to be a challenge going forward, but like economic development leaders, she is optimistic 2015 will be a positive year for the business community.

(Arlington, TX) -- The first College Football Playoff national champion will be crowned tonight as second-ranked Oregon plays number-four Ohio State at AT&T Stadium. The Ducks advanced to the title game by blowing out third-ranked Florida State 59-20 in the Rose Bowl in one of two national semifinals. The Buckeyes stunned top-ranked Alabama 42-35 in the Sugar Bowl to win the other semifinal. Oregon is seeking its first national championship in football, while Ohio State is after its eighth national title and first since 2002.

Led by Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Marcus Mariota [[ mare-ee-OH-tuh ]], the Ducks are 13-and-1 on the season with their only loss coming against Arizona in early October. The Buckeyes are also 13-and-1 despite losing starting quarterback Braxton Miller to a shoulder injury before the season and backup QB J.T. Barrett to a broken ankle in the regular-season finale against Michigan. OSU hasn't missed a beat with third-stringer Cardale Jones, blasting Wisconsin 59-0 in the Big Ten Championship Game before upsetting the top-ranked Crimson Tide in the Sugar Bowl.

>>Ducks' Carrington Suspended For Championship Game

(Dallas, TX) -- Oregon wide receiver Darren Carrington has reportedly been suspended for Monday's national championship game against Ohio State. According to multiple reports, Carrington failed an NCAA administered drug test. The redshirt freshman did not make the trip to Texas after testing positive for marijuana. Carrington had seven catches for 165 yards and two touchdowns in Oregon's 59-20 win over Florida State.

>>Governors Make Bets On College Title Game

(Columbus, OH) -- The governors of Ohio and Oregon have a tasty bet on the winner of next week's College Football Playoff championship game. If Ohio State wins, Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber will send his state's best beer, cheese and hazelnuts to Ohio Governor John Kasich. If the Buckeyes lose, Kasich will ship Columbus-brewed beer, lasagna from a favorite restaurant and chocolate Buckeyes. Ohio State meets Oregon in the title game Monday night.

>>Crimson Tide Trio Turning Pro

(Tuscaloosa, AL) -- A trio of Alabama Crimson Tide football players are going pro. Head coach Nick Saban [[ SAY-bin ]] says wide receiver and Heisman Trophy finalist Amari Cooper, running back T.J. Yeldon and defensive back Landon Collins are all declaring for the NFL Draft. Cooper won the Biletnikoff Award as the nation's top wide receiver, finishing with 124 catches for 1,727 yards and 16 touchdowns. Yeldon was the Tide's second-leading rusher this season with 979 yards and 11 touchdowns. Collins tied for the team lead with three interceptions. Alabama went 12-and-2, losing to Ohio State in the national semifinals.

>>QB Hill To Transfer From Texas A&M

(Undated) -- Quarterback Kenny Hill will leave Texas A&M. ESPN reports Hill asked for a release from the school and is expected to transfer with TCU being the most likely landing spot. Hill began the year as the starter, taking over for Johnny Manziel. He was off to a hot start with 11 touchdowns in his first three games, but he eventually was suspended two games after freshman Kyle Allen took over. Hill ended with over 26-hundred yards, 23 TDs and eight interceptions.

The Bulls host the Magic at the United Center tonight. Chicago put the brakes on a two-game skid with a 95-87 win over the Bucks on Saturday. The Bulls also upped their record to 26-and-12 with the win. Tip-off is at 7:00.

(New York, NY) -- It hasn't gone as expected for Knicks president Phil Jackson in his first year in charge of the basketball operations department. New York is a league-worst 5-and-35 with a team Jackson thought would compete for a playoff spot. The "Zen Master" said the struggles of the team are on him when he met with the media on Saturday. Jackson recently traded wings Iman Shumpert and J.R. Smith to continue to flesh out the rebuilding process. They didn't get anything in return besides a 2019 second-round pick. New York has lost a franchise-record 15 straight games. The Knicks face the Bucks in London on Thursday.

Marian Hossa, Bryan Bickell and Brad Richards all had a goal and an assist as the Blackhawks blasted the Wild 4-1 at the United Center. Johnny Oduya also lit the lamp while Jonathan Toews tallied two assists for the 'Hawks, who have alternated wins and losses over their last seven games. Corey Crawford kicked aside 36 shots in the victory. Matt Cooke scored the lone goal late in the third period for Minnesota, which suffered its fifth straight loss. Niklas Backstrom allowed all four goals on 35 shots in defeat.

(Green Bay, WI) -- Aaron Rodgers threw for 316 yards and three touchdowns as the Packers edged the Cowboys 26-21 in an NFC Divisional Round showdown in Green Bay. The Packers held on after an apparent Dez Bryant catch at the one-yard line was challenged and overturned. Davante Adams had seven catches for 117 yards and a score for Green Bay, which will travel to Seattle for the NFC Championship Game next Sunday. Eddie Lacy rumbled for 101 yards in the win. Tony Romo as 15-of-19 for 191 yards and two scores for Dallas. DeMarco Murray rushed for 123 yards and a touchdown in the loss.

>>Colts Best Broncos In Denver

(Denver, CO) -- The Colts kept Peyton Manning in check and punched their ticket to the AFC Championship Game with a 24-13 win over the Broncos in Denver. Andrew Luck threw for 265 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions for the Colts, who will face the Patriots for the right to go to the Super Bowl next Sunday. Indianapolis held the Broncos to just 289 yards of total offense as well as only three points in the second half. Manning was 26-of-46 for 211 yards and a touchdown for Denver. C.J. Anderson rushed for 91 yards in the loss.

>>Cowboys Involved In Second Controversial Play

(Green Bay, WI) -- The Dallas Cowboys are involved in their second controversial call in as many weeks. During Sunday's NFC Divisional Round affair with the Packers, Tony Romo and Dez Bryant connected on a 31-yard pass on fourth down that was initially ruled a catch inside the one-yard line of Green Bay with about five minutes left in the game. The Packers challenged the play and it was overturned by video replay after it was ruled Bryant didn't have complete possession before the ball touched the ground. Green Bay went on to win 26-21 to advance to the NFC title game. A week prior against the Detroit Lions, the Cowboys were the beneficiaries of a no-call on an apparent pass interference penalty that helped them advance to play this week.

(Undated) -- The Buffalo Bills are reportedly set to name their next head coach. NFL Media reports ex-New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan will accept the job. The report also says he will bring Dennis Thurman along as the defensive coordinator while San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator Greg Roman could fill the same spot in Buffalo. The Bills are looking to replace Doug Marrone, who opted out of his contract after the regular season. Ryan had been with the Jets since 2009.

>>Report: Jets Zero In On Quinn

(Undated) -- ESPN reports the Jets are zeroed in on Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn for their vacant head coaching position. The network reports the Jets were prepared to travel to Seattle had the 'Hawks lost Saturday night. The Jets can't offer Quinn the job as long as the Seahawks are still in the playoffs. Seattle plays the Packers at home in the NFC Championship Game on Sunday. Meanwhile, New York is reportedly set to hire Mike Maccagnan as their general manager. Maccagnan was the director of college scouting for the Texans.

>>Peyton Noncommittal About Future

(Denver, CO) -- Peyton Manning was noncommittal about his future following Sunday's loss to the Colts in the divisional round. When asked after the game, Manning declined to say whether he will return for another season in the NFL.

{DENManning11zb_1} Q...not say that 000:07

He had a second straight tremendous season with Denver, throwing for 4,727 yards with 39 touchdowns and only 15 interceptions, but showed signs of struggles down the stretch. In the final four regular season games, Manning threw for less than 300 yards in three of the four games with three TDs to six picks. Manning, who will turn 39 in March, is signed through the 2016 season.

>>Bears GM: Hiring Coach Top Priority

New Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Pace says he's focused on hiring a coach and will wait before making decisions about anyone on the roster, specifically quarterback Jay Cutler.

Pace, who at 37 is currently the league's youngest GM, faces a big task as he tries to rebuild a team with one playoff appearance in the past eight years. The Bears were a disappointing 5-11 and fired general manager Phil Emery and coach Marc Trestman.

Pace spent the past 14 years working for the New Orleans Saints. In Chicago, he says he will have final say on the 53-man roster, but he will report directly to team president Ted Phillips.

Terran Petteway scored 18 points and Nebraska built an 11-point lead midway through the second half and held off Illinois 53-43 on Sunday night.

Nebraska (10-6, 2-2 Big Ten) made four of four free throws in the final two minutes to seal the win. The Huskers shot and made just one free throw in the first 38 minutes of the game.

Illinois (11-6, 1-3) cut the Nebraska lead to six late in the game but struggled to hit shots. The Fightin' Illini made just 15 of 55 and didn't have a basket after the 3:14 mark until Aaron Cosby's short jumper with :14 left.

Nebraska took the first double-digit lead of the game on Petteway's 3-pointer with 16:48 left that put the Huskers up 34-24 with 16:48 remaining. But Illinois' Kendrick Nunn countered with a 3 on the Ilini's next possession.

>>Illinois State Tops Missouri State

Bobby Hunter hit 7 of 8 shots, including three 3-pointers, to score 17 points off the bench and lead Illinois State to a 69-55 win over Missouri State on Sunday.

Hunter had 12 points and MiKyle McIntosh had all 11 of his points as the Redbirds (10-6, 2-2 Missouri Valley) raced to a 49-27 lead at the half.

The Bears (8-8, 2-2) never got closer than 14 in the second half. Tyler McCullough was the leading scorer with 12 points and Marcus Marshall added 11.

With Hunter going 3 of 4 behind the arc, Illinois State was 9 of 15 but the Redbirds were only 11 of 35 from inside the line. Missouri State made just 1 of 13 treys and shot 36 percent for the game. The Bears were also outrebounded 39-29.

The Scarlet Knights (10-7, 2-2 Big Ten) outscored the short-handed Badgers (15-2, 3-1) by a 44-27 margin in the second half for the program's first win over a ranked team in more than two years.

Wisconsin played without leading scorer Frank Kaminsky because of a concussion and finished the game without point guard Traevon Jackson, who appeared to suffer an injury when he landed on Mack's foot while trying to block a 3-point shot in the second half.

In their absence, Nigel Hayes and Sam Dekker scored 15 points each to lead the Badgers and Bronson Keonig had 12.

>>North Carolina State Upsets Duke

PNC Arena hasn't been kind to Duke since 2010.

The Blue Devils were 1-3 in their past four games at North Carolina State's home court entering Sunday's ACC clash, including two losses to the Wolfpack and an untimely defeat in the second round of the 2014 NCAA Tournament against Mercer.

Trevor Lacey scored 21 points and NC State upset No. 2 Duke 87-75, continuing its streak of strong play at home against the Blue Devils.

Ralston Turner added 16 points on nine shots and BeeJay Anya gave 14 with four blocks off the bench for the Wolfpack (12-5, 3-1 ACC), who picked up a crucial win in their most grueling stretch of the season. They either play on the road or against a ranked team, or both, for six straight games.

>>Oregon State Upsets Arizona

Langston Morris-Walker drove in for a layup with 26 seconds remaining to lift Oregon State to a 58-56 upset win over No. 7 Arizona on Sunday night.

The Wildcats looked to force overtime, but T.J. McConnell missed a runner.

Morris-Walker finished with 12 points and eight rebounds for the Beavers (11-4, 2-1 Pac-12), who posted their first win over a top-10 team since beating these same Wildcats -- then ranked third -- in overtime on March 2, 2000.

Gary Payton II scored 10 points with nine rebounds, helping Oregon State end a seven-game slide to Arizona and improve to 10-0 at home this season.

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson had 14 points and McConnell added 13 with six assists for Arizona (14-2, 2-1), which was held to 37.8 percent shooting.

Following a disappointing Friday game versus Shelbyville, the Clinton Maroons came out Saturday and were blasted by Tri-Valley, 81-52.

The Vikings exploded for 51 first half points and four guys scored in double-figures. Will Dolk led the way for Tri-Valley with 18 points. Austin Spencer added 16 and Brett Schenkel and Derek Wegman chipped in with 12 apiece.

Peyton McCubbin led Clinton with 17 points, the only Maroon in double-figures for the afternoon.

Clinton drops to 5-10 while Tri-Valley improves to 11-5.

The Maroons will host Monticelo tomorrow night at 7:30. You can hear the action live on 92.3 FM WHOW and online at dewittdailynews.com.

>>Nebraska Wins Ugly Game With Illinois

Terran Petteway scored 18 points and Nebraska built an 11-point lead midway through the second half and held off Illinois 53-43 on Sunday night.

Nebraska (10-6, 2-2 Big Ten) made four of four free throws in the final two minutes to seal the win. The Huskers shot and made just one free throw in the first 38 minutes of the game.

Illinois (11-6, 1-3) cut the Nebraska lead to six late in the game but struggled to hit shots. The Fightin' Illini made just 15 of 55 and didn't have a basket after the 3:14 mark until Aaron Cosby's short jumper with :14 left.

Nebraska took the first double-digit lead of the game on Petteway's 3-pointer with 16:48 left that put the Huskers up 34-24 with 16:48 remaining. But Illinois' Kendrick Nunn countered with a 3 on the Ilini's next possession.

AFTER PARTING WAYS WITH LOTTERY MANAGER NORTHSTAR LAST FALL, LOTTERY DIRECTOR MICHAEL JONES SAYS THEY RENEWED AN OLD THEME THAT “ANYTHING’S POSSIBLE” TO HELP GET MORE PEOPLE INTERESTED IN PLAYING THE LOTTERY AGAIN.

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HOLIDAY INSTANT TICKET SALES ARE UP BY NEARLY 40 PERCENT OVER LAST YEAR…AND THERE’S BEEN INCREASES IN SPECIALTY TICKETS SALES, AS WELL AS LOTTO AND LUCKY DAY LOTTO.

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JONES SAYS THE REBRANDING COMES IN THE WAKE OF THE LOTTERY PARTING WAYS WITH PRIVATE MANAGEMENT FIRM NORTHSTAR…WHICH SAW A DECLINE IN SALES DURING THEIR CONTRACT.

THE STATE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY IS URGING ILLINOISANS TO TEST THEIR HOMES FOR RADON.

RADON IS A COLORLESS, ODORLESS GAS THAT IS DETECTED IN 40 PERCENT OF HOMES THAT ARE TESTED, IN ALL PARTS OF THE STATE. I-EMA SPOKESPERSON PATTI THOMPSON SAYS IT’S THE SECOND LEADING CAUSE OF LUNG CANCER IN THE U-S…SO IT’S IMPORTANT TO MAKE SURE YOUR HOME DOESN’T HAVE UNSAFE LEVELS OF RADON.

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THOMPSON ADDS THE COLORLESS, ODORLESS AND POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS GAS HAS BEEN FOUND IN ALL ILLINOIS COUNTIES.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT WHERE YOU CAN GET AN INEXPENSIVE RADON TESTING KIT, AND A LIST OF LICENSED MITIGATORS IF YOU DO HAVE A PROBLEM, VISIT THE WEBSITE: RADON DOT ILLINOIS DOT GOV.

Quarterback Carson Wentz ran 5 yards for the winning touchdown about a minute after Tre Roberson's 58-yard run put Illinois State ahead, and the Bison became the first team to win four straight FCS championships with a thrilling 29-27 victory Saturday.

North Dakota State (15-1) lost a nine-point lead in the fourth quarter, but answered quickly after falling behind. RJ Urzendowski had catches of 32 and 33 yards to get the Bison in scoring range, and Wentz broke a tackle around the 5 and eased into the end zone for the lead with 37 seconds left.

Roberson threw three touchdown passes, but also an interception to Esley Thorton in the final seconds trying to get the Redbirds (13-2) in field goal range.

The National Weather Service in Lincoln has continued its Winter Weather Advisory until 9 o'clock Monday morning.

A wintry mix of precipitation will continue into tonight across central IL while light rain in southeast IL this afternoon and early evening changes to light freezing rain and sleet later this evening and overnight.

Northern areas will see mostly light snow where 1 to 2 inches may accumulate with locally 2 to 3 inches north of Peoria. A mix of sleet and freezing rain is expected from along I-72 thru the I-70 corridor.

The more significant accumulation of ice will be from Charleston/Mattoon southeast toward I-70 where one to two tenths of ice may accumulate by dawn Monday. All the precipitation will push out of our area by late Monday morning.

Stay tuned to this Regional Radio station, and watch for further information on our on-line newspaper, for further updates.

Nearly $50,000 of agriculture scholarships and rural community improvement grants will be awarded to central and southern Illinois youth later this spring.

The Farm Credit Illinois agricultural lending cooperative announced plans to present twenty-two $1,500 scholarships to college-bound high school seniors who are pursuing an agriculture-related curriculum and award as many as sixty $250 grants to 4H clubs and FFA chapters to implement an improvement project within their local community. Scholarship selections are based on a combination of academic achievement, participation and leadership in school and community organizations, and the applicant’s commitment to an agricultural career. To be eligible, scholarship applicants must be high school seniors who plan to enroll in a college or university during the fall 2015 semester with the pursuit of an agriculture-related academic major and career. Applicants must reside in – or their family must farm in – one of the sixty southern counties in Illinois served by Farm Credit Illinois.

Online applications for the scholarships and grants are available at www.farmcreditIL.com. The deadline for both applications is February 27, 2015.

It's probably not music to the ears of formal wear businesses in Springfield and across Illinois, but Governor Elect Bruce Rauner is forsaking the Inaugural Ball Monday night, opting instead for a party and concert at Springfield's Prairie Capital Convention Center.

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The event will also feature Chicago blues legend Buddy Guy. Tickets are $125 and are still available at www.Illinoisinauguration.com The all inclusive ticket gets you into the concerts and party and comes with food and drink.

It sure isn't county fair weather in Illinois right now, but county fairs will draw much attention next week in Springfield.

Mercer County Fair Board President Roger Grundstrom anxiously awaiting the results of an economic impact study of county fairs. Mercer County was one of 15-county fairs statewide participating in the study last summer.

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The results of the study will be released January 17th and 18th during the annual convention of Illinois county fair officials.

The debate on the special election for Illinois Comptroller is heating up in the Illinois House.

The discussion has broken down on party lines and has pit Democrats vs. Republicans in plenty of heated discourse. Representative Dwight Kay a Republican from the 112th District, says that the emergency or need for an election has been fabricated by the party losing the Governor’s office.

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Kay continues by taking a stab at the process and the rancor behind the move for a special election.

This Saturday, the Illinois State Redbirds football team will play for their first ever national title in football.

It is the first appearance in the title game for ISU and Athletic Director Larry Lyons says the matchup has a lot of interesting aspects. He explains their opponent, North Dakota State, was the only Missouri Valley Conference team they didn't face this year, yet, ended up splitting the conference title.

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The road to the final was the toughest of any potential road as ISU faced two road games from one side of the country to the other. Lyons says it has been to see everything play out the way it has.

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North Dakota State is going for their fourth straight national championship, but Lyons feels they are going to give the Bison a good one in Texas this weekend. He compliments the NDSU program for what they have done, and feels both teams are very similar in the way play.

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For the Redbirds, the key to their team is first year, transfer quarterback Trey Roberson. Lyons says Roberson has come in and been dynamic, and is complimented well by junior runningback Marshaun Coprich, who had a record setting season for the ISU.

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Game time Saturday from Frisco, TX is at noon central time and the game can be seen on ESPN 2. Lyons says the community of Bloomington/Normal has embraced the run by the Redbirds, and watch parties will be going on all over the community.

A national retailer and local economic development leaders are teaming up to find interested entrepreneurs to bring a national product to Clinton.

Sears and the DeWitt County Development Council (DCDC) are seeking potential business leaders who would be interested in operating a Sears store locally. Mark Killough with the DCDC explains the retailer has targeted Clinton as a market they would like to tap into.

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Killough feels this could be a big development for the community. He explains this is something the community is in need of with recent stores like Sears having closed their doors. With a place like Sears locally, residents wouldn't have to leave town for appliances and other needs.

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Representatives from Sears will be in Clinton later this month to assist the DCDC in finding an owner for the store. Killough notes Sears has not targeted a location for the storefront, but they will work with them and the entrepreneur to find a practical and price-friendly location.

To learn about the opportunity to own and operate a Sears Hometown Store within an existing independent retail location, please contact Region Development Manager, Mike Jones at 205-432-8959 or via email at mike.m.jones71@shos.com .

(Portland, OR) -- LaMarcus Aldridge racked up 24 points and 12 rebounds as the Trail Blazers torched the Heat 99-83 at the Moda Center. Wesley Matthews dropped in 18 points and Damian Lillard scored 16 for the Blazers, who have won six of their last seven. Chris Kaman chipped in with 10 points and nine boards in the victory. Dwyane Wade posted 23 points and seven boards to pace Miami, which has lost five of six. Chris Bosh added 18 points, five boards and five assists in the setback.

(Brooklyn, NY) -- Brooklyn Nets guard Deron [[ Darren ]] Williams is out indefinitely after suffering a rib injury. He had an MRI exam Thursday and was diagnosed with a fracture of the cartilage portion of the left 12th rib. Williams will be re-examined in a week. He's played in 32 games this season, including 25 starts. Williams is averaging 13.9 points, 6.3 assists and three rebounds per game.

(Chicago, IL) -- The White Sox have officially announced a one-year contract with utilityman Emilio Bonifacio. The deal is worth three-million-dollars with a one-million-dollar buyout and a four-million-dollar option for 2016. He hit .259 with three homers, 24 RBI and 26 steals in 110 games with the Braves and Cubs last season.

>>Cubs Sell Spring Stadium Naming Rights

(Undated) -- The Cubs have sold the naming rights to their spring training ballpark in Mesa, Arizona. They will be playing at Sloan Park after the Sloan Valve Company purchased the rights. This will be the second season at the new facility.

(St. Louis, MO) -- David Backes [[ back-es ]], Jori Lehtera [[ leh-TARE-uh ]], T.J. Oshie, Paul Stastny [[ STAZ-nee ]] and Alexander Steen all recorded a goal and an assist as the Blues blew out the Sharks 7-2 from St. Louis. Patrik Berglund and Jay Bouwmeester [[ BOE-mee-stir ]] also scored for St. Louis, which has won three straight. Jaden Schwartz had three assists for the Blues while Brian Elliott made 24 saves. Logan Couture and Melker Karlsson scored for San Jose, which had won two straight. Antti Niemi [[ AHN-tee nee-EM-ee ]] allowed five goals while Alex Stalock gave up two in the loss.

>>Blackhawks Beat Wild In Minnesota

(St. Paul, MN) -- Bryan Bickell scored twice including an empty-netter in the final minute as the Blackhawks beat the Wild 4-2 at Xcel Energy Center. Patrick Kane and Patrick Sharp both scored in the first period for Chicago, which has won four of six. Corey Crawford made 42 saves in the victory. Jason Zucker and Jason Pominville lit the lamp for the Wild, who have lost three in-a-row. Niklas Backstrom allowed three goals on 19 shots in defeat.

(Lincoln, NE) -- The Fighting Illini are on the road Sunday facing Nebraska. Illinois is 11-and-5 and 1-and-2 in the Big Ten after an upset win over Maryland on Wednesday. The Cornhuskers dropped Rutgers last night to get to 9-and-6.

>>Arizona Blasts Oregon

T.J. McConnell came out uncharacteristically aggressive and it paid off, as the redshirt senior scored 21 points to lead No. 7 Arizona in a 80-62 win over Oregon.

McConnell, who transferred from Duquesne after two seasons with the Dukes, had never scored more than 19 points in an Arizona uniform.

All five starters reached double figures for the Wildcats (14-1, Pac-12), who snapped Oregon's six-game win streak with a result that was never really in doubt.

Stanley Johnson had 14 points and seven rebounds, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson gave 13 with nine boards and Kaleb Tarczewski posted his first double-double of the season after totaling 11 points and 10 rebounds.

Joseph Young scored 12 points on 4-of-15 shooting to lead Oregon (11-4, 1-1).

The Chicago Bears have hired New Orleans Saints executive Ryan Pace as general manager to replace the fired Phil Emery, hoping he can rejuvenate a franchise that has missed the playoffs for the seventh time in eight years.

The announcement on Thursday comes on the heels of a miserable, 5-11 season. The Bears quickly fell out of contention in the NFC North, costing Emery and coach Marc Trestman their jobs.

Pace spent 14 seasons with the Saints and helped build a Super Bowl champion. He was New Orleans' director of player personnel the past two years, helping manage their pro and college scouting operations. He also served as the team's director of pro scouting from 2007 to 2012.

>>Bears Continue HC Search

The Chicago Bears interviewed Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator Todd Bowles for their coaching job after hiring New Orleans Saints executive Ryan Pace as their general manager.

The team says Pace, who replaced the fired Phil Emery, was in on Thursday's interview. Chicago is looking for a coach after letting Marc Trestman go following a 5-11 season.

Pace participated in the interview with Bowles, who has led the Cardinals' defense the past two seasons after serving as Philadelphia's defensive coordinator in 2012. The 51-year-old former NFL safety is also in the running for the New York Jets, Atlanta and San Francisco jobs.

(Green Bay, WI) -- The Dallas Cowboys take their perfect road record to Green Bay on Sunday to go up against the Packers in a NFC Divisional Playoff game at Lambeau Field. Dallas rallied from a 20-7 deficit to beat Detroit 24-20 in the Wild Card round last weekend. That game came with some controversy as a key pass interference penalty against the Cowboys in the fourth quarter was overturned, helping Dallas rally to victory. The Cowboys won the NFC East this season with a 12-and-4 record, including 8-and-0 on the road. Conversely, the Packers are a perfect 8-and-0 at home this season. Green Bay also went 12-and-4 during the regular season, winning the NFC North and earning a first-round bye. The Packers beat the Cowboys 37-36 at Dallas in Week 15 of last season.

>>Rodgers Takes Majority Of Snaps In Practice

(Green Bay, WI) -- Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers took most of the snaps in practice on Thursday as he prepares for Sunday's playoff game against Dallas. He has been battling a strained left calf that he suffered in Week 16 against Tampa Bay and reinjured the following week against Detroit. ESPN reports Rodgers also has a slight tear in his calf muscle. He is expected to start when the Packers host the Cowboys in the NFC Divisional playoffs.

>>Colts Battle Broncos In Denver

(Denver, CO) -- The Indianapolis Colts head to the Mile High City to battle the Denver Broncos Sunday in an AFC Divisional Playoff game. The AFC South champion Colts went 11-and-5 during the regular season and advanced out of the Wild Card round with a 26-10 home win over the Bengals last weekend. The AFC West champion Broncos had a first-round bye after going 12-and-4 during the regular season. This game features a matchup of former longtime Colts quarterback Peyton Manning against Andrew Luck, who Indianapolis drafted with the first-overall pick in 2012 to become Manning's successor. The Broncos beat the Colts 31-24 in Denver to open the season back in September. Manning threw three TD's in that game as Denver built a 24-0 lead in the first half and held on from there.

>>Ravens Play Patriots In Foxboro

(Foxboro, MA) -- The Baltimore Ravens head to Foxboro on Saturday to face the New England Patriots in an AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium. The Ravens roughed up the Steelers 30-17 last weekend in Pittsburgh in the Wild Card round to advance. Baltimore earned the sixth seed in the AFC by winning three of its final four games of the regular season to finish 10-and-6. The Patriots had a first-round bye after capturing their sixth straight AFC East title at 12-and-4. New England also earned home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs by virtue of a Week Nine win over Denver, which also went 12-and-4. The Patriots pounded the Ravens 41-7 in Baltimore in their last meeting in Week 16 of last season. New England is 7-and-1 at home this season.

>>Panthers Play Super Bowl Champion Seahawks In Seattle

(Seattle, WA) -- The surging Carolina Panthers will try to knock off the defending Super Bowl champion Seahawks in a NFC Divisional Playoff game Saturday in Seattle. The Panthers are looking to keep their late season magic going. Carolina won its final four games of the regular season, capturing the NFC South title with a Week 17 win at Atlanta. The Panthers then held the Cardinals to just 78 total yards in a 27-16 win in last weekend's Wild Card round. After a 3-and-3 start, the Seahawks won nine of their last 10 games to claim the NFC West crown at 12-and-4. Seattle also earned home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs by virtue of a head-to-head win over Green Bay in the season opener. The Seahawks beat the Panthers 13-9 at Carolina back in Week Eight.

>>Pro Football Hall Of Fame Finalists Announced

(Undated) -- The 15 Modern-Era finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame have been announced. Linebacker Junior Seau, offensive lineman Orlando Pace and quarterback Kurt Warner are first-year nominees. There are the 15 Modern-Era finalists as well as the two contributor finalists and the one senior finalist up for the honor of enshrinement. The announcement will be made in Arizona on January 31st. Terrell Davis, Jimmy Johnson, Bill Polian, Mick Tingelhoff and Ron Wolf are finalists for the first time. Kicker Morten Andersen, running back Jerome Bettis, receivers Marvin Harrison and Tim Brown, coaches Don Coryell and Tony Dungy, linebackers Kevin Greene and Charles Haley, offensive lineman Will Shields and safety John Lynch are also finalists.

>>Investigation: NFL Did Not See Rice Video Before It Went Public

(New York, NY) -- An independent investigation is supporting the NFL's claim that the league did not see the Ray Rice in-elevator video before it went public. Former FBI Director Robert Mueller [[ Muller ]] released results of a four-month investigation into the NFL's handling of the February domestic violence case involving the former Baltimore Ravens running back. No evidence was found that anyone at the NFL had or saw the video of Rice knocking out his now wife with a punch to the face at an Atlantic City casino before it was released by TMZ in September. There was also no evidence that a woman at the NFL confirmed receipt of the video in a voicemail on April 9th. The report did determine that, even without the video, there was substantial information indicating the need for a more thorough investigation by the NFL.

The report went on to acknowledge the league's recent changes to its Personal Conduct Policy and offered more recommendations for improvement, including more training, creating a specialized investigative team for domestic violence and sexual abuse and policies requiring more information sharing between the league and NFL teams during investigations.

Coach Tim Beckman said Thursday that both are "very good coaches" but changes needed to be made for the team to improve.

Special teams was a particular problem for the Illini (6-7, 3-6 Big Ten). While Illini punter Justin Duvernois was the Big Ten's second-best punter, kickers David Reisner and Taylor Zalewski both struggled. Between them they were 9-17 on field goals and missed four extra points.

Salem joined the staff in 2012 as running backs coach. Colby worked two seasons at Illinois. The team's defense was one of the conference's worst both seasons.

They answered question after question from the media on Thursday, calm as can be even as they moved onto a stage that's bigger than the nation's best FCS conference.

It didn't figure to be any other way, however, because Illinois State quarterback Tre Roberson and running back Marshaun Coprich have provided all the right answers this season while leading the Redbirds into Saturday's NCAA Division I Football Championship Game.

"It feels like we've been here before," Roberson said matter-of-factly.

The reality is Illinois State will be appearing in the FCS title game for the first time, while its opponent, North Dakota State, is seeking a fourth straight national title, which would be a first in the FCS and has been accomplished only once in NCAA history, ironically by a school from Illinois, Augustana College from 1983-86.

But the Redbirds feel they're ready to move out of North Dakota State's long shadow. The two teams tied for the Missouri Valley Football Conference title after not playing each other in the regular season.

Illinois State (13-1) has much more than a puncher's chance against the NDSU dynasty. In fact, its offense features a sensational 1-2 knockout punch. Whether Roberson or Coprich is 1 and the other is 2 seemingly changes from week to week, and they feed off each other in winning fashion.

Now Illinois State, which has good size at wide receiver and even more size on the offensive line with four starters over 300 pounds, will try to take down the best defense in the FCS for four years running. No doubt the Redbirds will turn to their 1-2 punch for the right answers against North Dakota State.

"If you want to be the champ, you've got to beat the champ," Roberson said.

The Monticello Sages overcame a nine-point second half deficit to down Rantoul on the road in the Okaw Valley Conference opener for both squads.

Zach Fisher poured in a game high 28 points as only five players scored for the Sages. Fisher also grabbed five boards and drained six of eight threes as Monticello shot over 50% for the second straight game.

Noah Freemon added 12 points, four boards and four assists. Ryne Bundy added 10 points and five boards off the bench for Monticello.

The Sages improve to 8-3, and win their first Okaw Valley Conference game in the new look Okaw.

Rantoul drops to 4-12 and 0-1 in their inaugural year in the Okaw.

After shooting 60% from the floor in the first half, the Eagles shot just 35% in the second half.

CJ Bunner led the way for Rantoul with 17 points. Kevin Williams and Marellian Gibson added 12 apiece.

Echoing words spoken about his father, Governor Pat Quinn addressed to the Chicago Civic Club for the final time while in office.

Gov. Quinn has used his previous time in front of the civic club to talk about prospective legislation or the outlook for his year as Governor. On Tuesday, Quinn looked back on serving as Governor. Quinn, emotional at times, told the audience that he always remembered the words of his father’s naval commander and tried to live to those ideals while working as Governor.

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Quinn still has business left as Governor. He has called a special session of the legislature for Thursday where he wants lawmakers to address the need for a special election to fill the vacancy left by the death of Comptroller Judy Barr Topinka.

Illinois educators are letting their voices be heard in regards to state-wide education.

Vision 20/20 is a new initiative dedicated to the betterment of education in Illinois. The plan has been developed by local school officials including superintendents and principals and Susan Wilson, Superintendent of Blue Ridge Schools, explains Vision 20/20 sets solid groundwork for the future of schools in Illinois.

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Vision 20/20 addresses important issues including school funding and regulations. Wilson notes school funding is desperately needed in Illinois and the program provides common sense ideas to confront the issue.

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Illinois lawmakers and educators are already engaging in talks regarding the initiative and Wilson stresses it will be parents and educators that will make the difference though.

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The goals of Vision 20/20 are to be fully implemented by the year 2020 and Wilson notes it also stresses full accountability between all arenas of education.

Monday night's Clinton City Council meeting was limited in the amount of city business to be conducted, but an embattled entity was the center of brief discussion.

Regular reports are provided from the Council's Commissioners at each meeting, but one commissioner took the time to recognize the efforts of the Dr. John Warner Hospital staff for treatment he received during the Christmas holiday. Commissioner Tom Edmunds spoke of some problems with his foot and complimented the city owned hospital on the care he received on Christmas Day and the days following.

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This month the DJWH Board is going to be reviewing Request for Proposals (RFPs) for management firms to take over operations of the hospital. It is Edmunds suggestion the Board investigate into working Hospital Sisters Health Systems, part of a network of area hospitals. Edmunds explains they were very effective in helping the city-owned hospital nearly two decades ago.

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But Clinton Mayor Carolyn Peters points out their assistance was only for a year, and had they kept working with the hospital for longer, they would have had to start paying them for their work. She feels adding potentially, another name to the Dr. John Warner Hospital could limit the clientele.

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The Mayor continues to support the work being done by the hospital Board. She adds while things have been a struggle at times with the hospital, it could not continue it's path and be viable for many years.

Officials with the Waste Management Phoenix Open in Scottsdale, Arizona say golf star Tiger Woods has not committed to play in this month's tournament. Golf.com cited two anonymous sources as saying Woods could make his season debut at the annual event. The report said the 14-time major champion has reserved lodging and a courtesy car. Tournament Media Relations director Rob Myers says, despite the report, Woods has not committed to play. Tiger is coming off an injury-plagued 2014 campaign. He hasn't played in Scottsdale since 2001. This year's tournament begins January 29th.

(St. Paul, MN) -- The Blackhawks battle the Wild in St. Paul tonight. The puck drops from the Xcel Energy Center at 7 p.m. Chicago comes in at 26-12-and-2 while the Wild are 18-15-and-5.

>>Blues Host Sharks Tonight

(St. Louis, MO) -- The Blues are back on Scottrade ice tonight to open a seven-game homestand against the Sharks. St. Louis split four games on its just completed road trip, including a 7-2 win at San Jose on Saturday. The Blues followed that with a 6-0 win over the Coyotes Tuesday in Arizona.

>>Rangers Drop Ducks

(Anaheim, CA) -- Rick Nash scored his 25th goal of the year to help give the Rangers a 4-1 victory over the Ducks at the Honda Center. Derick Brassard and Mat Zuccarello [[ zoo-cuh-RELL-oh ]] each found the back of the net as New York won for the 11th time in 12 games. Henrik Lundqvist tallied 24 saves in the victory. Francois Beauchemin scored the lone goal on a power play for Anaheim, which had won four of six coming in. Ilya Bryzgalov allowed all four goals on 29 shots in the loss.

Gwinnett County Police Cpl. Jake Smith said in a statement that 31-year-old Timothy Deshawn Jennings was driving a 2015 Mercedes at 99 mph in a 65-mph zone on I-85 before noon Wednesday. Smith says the officer conducting the stop smelled alcohol.

County records show that Jennings was booked into the county jail Wednesday afternoon and was being held on $2,711 bond. It was not immediately known if he had a lawyer.

Jennings, of Orangeburg, South Carolina, has been in the NFL since 2006 and played for the Indianapolis Colts between 2006 and 2009.

A Bears spokesman said the team is aware of Jennings' arrest and gathering additional information.

>>Georgia Names Rams' Schottenheimer OC

(Athens, GA) -- Brian Schottenheimer is the new offensive coordinator at the University of Georgia. He replaces Mike Bobo, who left last month to become the head coach at Colorado State. Schottenheimer spent the last three seasons as defensive coordinator of the St. Louis Rams. He previously held the same position with the New York Jets from 2006 to 2011. Schottenheimer is the son of former longtime NFL head coach Marty Schottenheimer.

>>Giants' Beckham Jr. To Replace "Megatron" In Pro Bowl

(East Rutherford, NJ) -- New York Giants rookie wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. is headed to the Pro Bowl. He has been named an injury replacement for Detroit Lions wideout Calvin Johnson. Beckham Jr. had 91 receptions for 1,305 yards and 12 touchdowns for the Giants this season. He was drafted with the 12th overall out of LSU last May. "Megatron" had 71 catches for 1,077 yards and eight scores for Detroit this season. He missed three games and was limited in two others due to an ankle injury. This year's Pro Bowl is set for Sunday, January 25th in Glendale, Arizona.

>>Winston Confirms He's Entering NFL

(Tallahassee, FL) -- Florida State quarterback Jameis [[ JAME-iss ]] Winston is going pro. The 2013 Heisman Trophy winner has released a statement saying, after consulting with family and friends, he is declaring for the 2015 NFL Draft. Winston initially hadn't planned to announce his decision until after Monday's College Football Playoff National Championship Game, but his father told ESPN that Winston intended to go pro. Winston was 26-and-1 as a starter at Florida State, with his only loss coming to Oregon at the Rose Bowl in last week's national semifinals. He led the Seminoles to the BCS National Championship in 2013.

>>Saints To Keep DC Ryan

(New Orleans, LA) -- The New Orleans Saints will not be making a change at defensive coordinator. The "Times-Picayune" reports Rob Ryan will return in that role next season despite the team ranking second-to-last in yards allowed. His status was uncertain after head coach Sean Payton vowed to make significant changes following a 7-and-9 season. The 52-year-old has been the Saints' DC since 2013. Ryan previously held that role for the Raiders, Browns, and Cowboys.

>>49ers' Kaepernick To Work With Kurt Warner

(Sacramento, CA) -- San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick [[ CAP-er-nick ]] is seeking help from a two-time NFL MVP. The "Sacramento Bee" reports Kaepernick will be tutored by and train with Kurt Warner starting next week in Phoenix, Arizona. Quarterbacks coach Dennis Gile will also be on hand, with the two helping him with drills, film work and mental aspects of the game. Kaepernick set a career-high this past season by throwing for nearly 34-hundred yards, but saw his total QB-rating drop from 68.6 in 2013 to 55.9 in 2014. The 49ers went 8-and-8 after three straight trips to the NFC Championship Game.

(Chicago, IL) -- Derrick Favors led a balanced attack with 20 points and 11 rebounds as the Jazz picked up a 97-77 win over the Bulls at the United Center. Gordon Hayward chipped in 18 points and Rudy Gobert recorded 11 points and 14 boards. Trey Burke added 17 points as Utah won for the fifth time in its last eight. Jimmy Butler paced Chicago with 16 points and 11 rebounds while Derrick Rose scored just seven points on 3-of-15 shooting in the loss. Taj Gibson tallied 15 points off the bench for the Bulls, who saw their three-game winning streak come to an end.

Illinois wondered who would score with Rayvonte Rice injured, and Malcolm Hill provided the answer Wednesday with a career-high 28 points in a 64-57 upset over No. 11 Maryland.

Hill turned it on in the second half with 18 points. The sophomore's hot hand fueled a 20-3 run that the Illini (11-5, 1-2) used to take over the game.

Rice is Illinois' leading scorer and rebounder but will be out up to six weeks after breaking his left hand this week in practice. His loss left Illinois looking at possibility of a 0-3 conference start with its next two games on the road.

Paris Lee chipped in 12 points and Tony Wills had 10 with six assists for the Redbirds (9-6, 1-2 Missouri Valley), who shot 56.6 percent from the field and had a 38-21 rebounding advantage. Justin McCloud hit three of Illinois State's nine 3-pointers.

Drake (3-12, 0-3) was held to 14-of-44 shooting (31.8 percent), gave up 21 points off turnovers and another 12 on second-chance opportunities. Chris Caird was the lone scorer in double figures for the Bulldogs with 15 points and Trevor Berkeley had nine.

Illinois State pulled away with a 32-8 run sparked by a pair of 3-pointers from both McCloud and Lee for a 36-16 lead in the first half. The Redbirds coasted in the second half, leading by as much as 44.

The Shockers defeated the Braves after trailing at halftime for just the second time this season.

Wichita State (13-2, 3-0 Missouri Valley Conference) has won 25 consecutive games at home and 21 in a row in the MVC. The Shockers also have won 10 in a row against Bradley, including the past six at home.

Peterson Insurance Agency in Clinton is sponsoring a WHOW Farm Bill meeting at the Richland Community College Clinton Education Center, on Wednesday, January 21st at 6:30pm.

WHOW local farm broadcaster Jared White will introduce Todd Gleason, host of the Closing Market Report heard weekdays on WHOW, who will emcee. Guest speaker is Gary Schnitkey of the University of Illinois, an expert on the new Farm Bill, who will present remarks and answer farmers' questions. The event is free and open to the public.

Decisions farmers make on implementing the new Farm Bill on their farm, will affect their operation for the next 4 years, which is why Peterson Insurance is sponsoring this special WHOW Farm Bill meeting.

The meeting is part of WHOW's continued commitment to its agriculture listeners thru-out Central Illinois.

Among the changes the city is looking at, Lincoln's Street Department will soon move to a new location as their current building was constructed above an old coal mine many years ago, so according Mayor Keith Snyder, the ground below the Street Department is contaminated due to years of being used for converting coal oil. He explains they are seeking to provide funds to move and clean up the existing grounds.

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The Lincoln Fire Department is in for a big year in 2015. Mayor Snyder explains an architect is going to assess the space of the current department because the building has age limitations which is leading to the need for expansion and updates.

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The City of Lincoln is also looking forward to the expansion of their local movie theater which should occur on 2015 also.

Tens of thousands of officers from across the country attended the funerals of the two slain police officers in New York City and the Clinton Police Department was represented.

Monday night at the Clinton City Council meeting, Officer Jason Yost and Sgt. Jerry Causer reflected on their time spent in New York City for the funerals of Officer Rafael Ramos and Officer Wenjian Liu. Officer Yost says there are many things about the funeral and procession that he'll always remember.

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Sgt. Causer attended both the funeral for Officer Ramos and the visitation for Officer Liu, and was impacted by the story of a NYC officer who was supposed to take the overtime shift for Officer Liu but came down sick.

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The family and collegues of Officer Liu were exceptionally grateful for the outpouring of support from all the officers in attendance. Sgt. Causer felt as though the family of Officer Liu was very touched by how many people were in attendance of his visitation.

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Chief Ben Lowers indicates a precinct in New York City contacted him via their Facebook page to show their appreciation and Officer Yost says on he had a NYC official ask him to snap a picture of his badge so they could keep track of where officers came from the past few weeks.

In the 70s, there were a couple officers killed in New York City in circumstances similar to what happened last month, and Officer Yost explains a city school was named after one of the officers killed. Officer Ramos began his law enforcement career in that school that was named after the slain police officer from the 70s.

(New York, NY) -- Randy Johnson, Pedro Martinez, John Smoltz and Craig Biggio [[ BEE-jee-oh ]] are the newest members of the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Those four make up the 2015 class elected to Cooperstown, with Johnson, Martinez and Smoltz getting in on the first ballot. It's the first time four players have been elected in the same year since 1955. Johnson received 97.3-percent of the vote from the Baseball Writers' Association, Martinez got 91.1-percent, Smoltz 82.9-percent and Biggio 82.7-percent. Players need at least 75-percent of the vote for election. This year's class will be inducted on July 26th.

Johnson was a five-time Cy Young Award winner who won 303 games over 22 seasons and ranks second on the all-time strikeout list behind only Nolan Ryan. Martinez was a three-time Cy Young winner with 219 career victories over 18 seasons. His .687 career winning percentage is the sixth-best in major league history. Smoltz won 213 games while also recording 154 saves in 21 seasons, all but one with the Atlanta Braves. Biggio got in on his third try after falling just two votes shy of election last year. He was a seven-time All-Star with 3,060 career hits in 20 seasons, all with the Houston Astros.

>>Former Cards McGwire, Smith, Walker Denied Hall Entry Again

(New York, NY) -- Former Cardinals Mark McGwire, Lee Smith and Larry Walker are still on the outside of the Hall of Fame looking in. All three again fell well short of the 75-percent of the vote needed for election. McGwire got just 10-percent, with Walker getting 11.8-percent and Smith 30.2-percent.

>>Tigers Ink Gorzelanny To One-Year Deal

(Detroit, MI) -- The Detroit Tigers are adding another arm to their roster. They have signed 32-year-old left-hander Tom Gorzelanny to a one-year contract. Gorzelanny spent the last two seasons with Milwaukee, but was limited to just 21 innings out of the bullpen last year. He has a career mark of 47-and-51 with a 4.27 ERA in parts of 10 seasons with the Pirates, Cubs, Nationals and Brewers. Gorzelanny is expected to fill the role of departed reliever Phil Coke.

(Davie, FL) -- Mike Tannenbaum is set to become the new executive vice president of football operations for the Miami Dolphins. The move takes effect starting February 1st. Tannenbaum had been working as a consultant for the Fins since August as well as a coaching agent. NFL Network reports he will stay on his agent role while client and current Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn interviews for head coaching opportunities. Tannenbaum had spent 16 years with the New York Jets, including seven as a general manager. The Dolphins finished third in the AFC East this season at 8-and-8.

>>Oklahoma's Dorial Green-Beckham Headed To Draft

(Norman, OK) -- Without having played a down for Oklahoma, wide receiver Dorial Green-Beckham's time for the Sooners is coming to an end. Head coach Bob Stoops says the embattled wideout is headed to the NFL Draft. Green-Beckham was dismissed from Missouri last April following a drug-related incident, which involved an 18-year-old woman being pushed down several stairs. He then transferred to the University of Oklahoma and had to sit out the 2014 season due to transfer restrictions. In two college seasons, he caught 87 passes for nearly 13-hundred yards and 17 touchdowns in 25 games for the Tigers.

>>Peterson Court Date Set For February 6th

(Minneapolis, MN) -- The NFL Players Association's lawsuit against the league on behalf of suspended Vikings running back Adrian Peterson is set to begin February 6th. Pro Football Talk reports Peterson and the NFLPA are hoping for a resolution by the time the new league year begins in March. The former NFL MVP is not up for reinstatement until April 15th. Last month, an appeals officer upheld NFL commissioner Roger Goodell's decision to ban Peterson for the remainder of the 2014 season. The suspension came after the running back pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor reckless assault charge for injuring his four-year-old son in May. Being reinstated earlier would help the Vikings trade or release Peterson, so he can potentially find a new team in 2015.

>>LAPD In Custody Of O.J. Simpson's 1968 Heisman Trophy

(Los Angeles, CA) -- LAPD officials say they have O.J. Simpson's 1968 Heisman Trophy in their hands. The trophy is USC's copy of the statue and was on display in the athletic department when it was stolen more than 20 years ago, the same year Simpson was arrested for murder. Detectives had gone to court seeking a search warrant for phone records including tracking information, for an unnamed person who they say recently called USC saying he bought the trophy from a friend and wanted to authenticate it.

Simpson sold his own Heisman Trophy for over 250-thousand dollars to help pay the 33-million dollar civil judgment against him for the murders of ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman.

The Bulls battle the Jazz at the United Center tonight. Chicago ran its winning streak to three with a 114-105 victory over the Rockets on Monday. The Bulls also improved to 25-and-10 with the win. Tip-off is at 7:00.

(Glendale, AZ) -- David Backes scored four goals to lead the Blues to a 6-0 rout of the Coyotes at Gila River Arena. Brian Elliott made 23 saves for his second shutout of the season and 27th of his career. Paul Stastny [[ STAZ-nee ]] added a goal and an assist, while Jaden Schwartz also lit the lamp for St. Louis, which has won two in-a-row . T.J. Oshie posted three helpers in the victory. Mike Smith surrendered all six goals on 39 shots for the 'Yotes, who have lost two-of-three since a three-game winning streak.

>>Avs Goalie Stops 54 Shots in Shutout

Nathan MacKinnon scored and set up a goal by Maxime Talbot in the opening 1:17, Semyon Varlamov finished with 54 saves for his third shutout of the season and the Colorado Avalanche beat the Chicago Blackhawks 2-0 on Tuesday night.

Colorado was outshot by 30 but held on for its third win in four games behind Varlamov's 16th career shutout. The Avalanche improved to 7-3-2 in their last 12.

Corey Crawford finished with 22 saves for the Blackhawks, who had a season high in shots and dominated the pace as the game progressed. However, Chicago was blanked for the third time this season.

Illinois coach John Groce says guard Rayvonte Rice is out indefinitely after fracturing his left hand in practice.

The 6-foot-4 senior suffered the injury during practice Monday.

If surgery is necessary, Rice could be sidelined for as long as six weeks, or until about Feb. 17. That period includes 11 games, including Wednesday's Big Ten home opener against No. 11 Maryland.

Rice leads the Illini in scoring (17.2 points per game) and rebounding (6.9). He had 20 points of 7-of-8 shooting in Saturday's 77-61 loss at Ohio State.

Illinois (10-5) is off to an 0-2 start in conference play. Rice suffered a groin injury early in the Big Ten season last year.

>>Illinois Hosts #9 Maryland Tonight

(Champaign, IL) -- Illinois welcomes ninth-ranked Maryland to the State Farm Center tonight. The Fighting Illini are sill looking to break into the Big Ten win column, having lost to Michigan and Ohio State thus far. Illinois is 10-and-5 overall. The Terrapins are 14-and-1, having won seven in-a-row.

Governor-elect Bruce Rauner has made his pick to succeed Judy Baar Topinka as Comptroller. Lincolnshire based executive Leslie Munger, a narrow loser in a state legislative race last November, has been tabbed to succeed the late Judy Baar Topinka. Rauner thinks her lack of political experience is the strength of her resume...

A memo from incoming state treasurer Mike Frerichs says he hopes to eliminate the comptroller's office in 2016. That doesn't fit the gameplane of Governor Elect Bruce Rauner, who wants Leslie Munger to serve four years.

Meanwhile House Speaker Mike Madigan has spoken out against past attempts to consolidate the Treasurer and Comptroller's offices.

A trade group meant to educate consumers about Illinois grapes and wine varieties has a new chief.

Reports indicate Jennifer Montgomery has been named the first full-time executive director of the 22-year-old Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Association.

The Virginia native had held the same job at the Nebraska Winery and Grape Growers Association. Before that, she spent a decade as director of grassroots and political affairs at the Washington-based trade group WineAmerica.

The Illinois association says that as of 2012, 105 wineries statewide had sales of $39 million from more than 650,000 gallons of production. At that time, the association says the state's wine industry had contributed $692 million to the Illinois economy in terms of wages, tourism spending and taxes.

Congressman Rodney Davis says jobs are high on the GOP agenda as the new Congress prepares to meet for its first session next week.

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Davis says with Republicans controlling both chambers of Congress, the economy will be the first order of business.

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Davis says the new Congress is willing to work with the White House.

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The Illinois Republican delivered his party's weekly address Saturday. Davis vowed to focus on legislation to create jobs and help small businesses grow. That includes a bill Davis sponsored that would offer incentives to businesses that hire veterans. The 114th Congress will gavel in on Tuesday. New members of the House and Senate will be sworn-in and the House is expected to re-elect Ohio Republican John Boehner [[ BAY-nur ]] as Speaker.

Governor-elect Bruce Rauner has made his pick to succeed Judy Baar Topinka as Comptroller. He will appoint Leslie Geissler Munger of Lincolnshire to fill the vacancy that will develop January 12th when Quinn Administration Budget Director Jerry Stermer will see his short tenure as Comptroller come to a close. Like Rauner, Munger strongly favors “Judy’s Amendment,” which would merge the Comptroller’s and Treasurer’s offices. Munger says she isn't interested in a political career, only doing what is best for the state.

Jury selection has started in the trial of a central Illinois man accused in the 2013 beating death of his girlfriend's toddler son.

The trial started Monday in Bloomington for 25-year-old Nicholas Compton of Colfax. He is charged with murder and other counts in the death of 3-year-old Robert Cramer in March 2013 in Normal. He has pleaded not guilty.

Compton's girlfriend, Danielle Fischer, also is charged in the case. She has pleaded not guilty and is next due in court Jan. 29.

Compton is accused of hitting the boy in the abdomen, causing tissue damage that led to a fatal seizure.

Thanks to the efforts of a local citizen in late November, an elderly couple may have been spared from a house fire that could have been much worse than it was.

Picture right: Houston (left) shakes hands with Officer Yost

Monday night in a special presentation at the Clinton City Council meeting, Clinton Police Chief Ben Lowers recognized the efforts of Robert Houston. The Chief explains Houston noticed smoke coming from the couple's residence in the early morning hours Nov. 22, and persistently tried to get them notified of what was going on and get them to safety.

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The couple who is elderly, could not be at Monday night's presentation, but Chief Lowers passed along their appreciation of the efforts of Houston.

Because of Houston's efforts, the couple was spared from what could have been a major tragedy.

The ninth one fell, giving No. 13 Notre Dame its biggest win of the season.

Zach Auguste's bucket with 1:07 remaining lifted the Fighting Irish to a 71-70 win over No. 18 North Carolina on Monday, the program's first victory over the Tar Heels in almost 23 years.

Auguste led Notre Dame (15-1, 3-0 ACC) with 18 points, Pat Connaughton scored 16 and Demetrius Jackson had 15, including 12 in the first half when the Irish led by as many as 10.

Jerian Grant had eight points and eight assists for the Irish before fouling out late in the game.

Meeks and J.P. Tokoto scored 12 points each for the Tar Heels (11-4, 1-1), who trailed by as much as 11 in the second half.

>>#10 Texas Routed By #18 Oklahoma

(Austin, TX) -- Javan Felix was the only player in double figures with 13 points as 10th-ranked Texas lost 70-49 to 18th-ranked Oklahoma in Austin. Isaiah Taylor tallied nine points on 4-of-13 shooting for the Longhorns, who fell to 12-and-3 on the year and 1-and-1 in Big 12 play. UT travels to Oklahoma State on Saturday.

(Undated) -- Kentucky is again on top of the latest "USA Today" Coaches' Poll. The 13-and-0 Wildcats received 31 of 32 first-place votes to beat out the 13-and-0 Duke Blue Devils, who are ranked second and got the other first-place vote. Virginia is third, followed by Wisconsin and Louisville. Arizona, Gonzaga, Villanova, Maryland and Texas round out the top-10. Washington, Colorado State and San Diego State all fell out of the rankings this week.

(Chicago, IL) -- Utilityman Emilio Bonifacio [[ bone-ih-FAH-see-oh ]] is heading back to the city of Chicago. FOX Sports reports the White Sox and Bonifacio have agreed to a one-year, four-million-dollar contract, with a club option for the 2016 season. The 29-year-old hit .259 with three homers and 26 stolen bases in 110 games between the Cubs and Atlanta Braves last season.

>>Report: Shields Has 110-Million-Dollar Offer

(Undated) -- Free-agent pitcher James Shields apparently has a lucrative contract offer on the table, we just don't know from which team. FOX Sports reports an unnamed club has offered the 33-year-old right-hander a five-year, 110-million-dollar deal. According to the report, some league executives say that kind of contract would leave a lot of teams out of the running. Shields has thrown eight consecutive seasons of at least 200 innings. He went 14-and-8 with a 3.21 ERA last year with Kansas City, helping the Royals reach the World Series. Shields received a qualifying offer from KC in November, so the Royals would receive draft pick compensation from any team that signs him.

>>"Big Unit," Pedro Headline 2015 Hall Of Fame Eligibles

(Cooperstown, NY) -- The 2015 Class for the National Baseball Hall of Fame will be revealed today. Among the new players eligible this year are pitchers Randy Johnson, Pedro Martinez and John Smoltz, along with outfielder Gary Sheffield and shortstop Nomar Garciaparra. Johnson was a five-time Cy Young winner who won 303 games over 22 seasons. Martinez won 219 games over 18 years, but his .687 winning-percentage is the sixth best in major league history. Smoltz had 213 wins and 154 saves in 21 seasons. Sheffield was a nine-time All-Star who hit .292 with 509 home runs in 22 seasons. Garciaparra was a six-time All-Star who hit .313 for his career and was the 1997 American League Rookie of the Year. Craig Biggio [[ BEE-jee -oh ]] is the top returning player on the ballot. The Houston Astros infielder/outfielder just missed the cut the last two years. Those with enough votes this time will be inducted into Cooperstown on July 26th.

(Seattle, WA) -- Washington Huskies two-way star Shaq Thompson is heading to the next level. Thompson will forgo his senior season at Washington and declare for the NFL Draft. He won the 2014 Paul Hornung Award for starring on both sides of the ball. Thompson scored four defensive touchdowns and rushed for 100 yards in both of his starts at running back.

A battle is now seemingly underway for the St. Louis Rams. Rams owner Stan Kroenke [[ KRON-key ]] has announced he's partnered with a development group to build an 80-thousand seat stadium in Inglewood, California, just outside Los Angeles. That's led to new rumors that Kroenke will end his lease in St. Louis and move the Rams back to Los Angeles sooner rather than later. Missouri Governor Jay Nixon has appointed two business leaders that are set to unveil a proposal for a new stadium for the Rams in St. Louis. Nixon says he'll go to great lengths to keep the team in Missouri.

The Rams are said to be unhappy with their current lease at the Edward Jones Dome and can choose later this month to convert their lease to year-to-year. Talks between Kroenke and Missouri leaders over a new stadium have fallen apart in the past. For Los Angeles, the developer AEG continues to try and find a NFL team that could move to the City of Angels and play in a stadium AEG is proposing to build downtown. The Oakland Raiders and San Diego Chargers are said to also be unhappy with their stadium leases and are eyeing a possible move to L.A. in the not-too-distant future.

(Glendale, AZ) -- The Blues wrap up their four-game road trip tonight against the Coyotes in Arizona. St. Louis blasted San Jose 7-2 on Saturday after opening the swing with a 4-3 loss at Anaheim on Friday. The Blues had lost six-of-seven before beating the Sharks. Arizona has won four of its last five.

>>Blackhawks Host Avs

(Chicago, IL) -- The Blackhawks welcome the Avalanche to the United Center tonight. Chicago is coming off Sunday's 5-4 overtime win over the Stars. The 'Hawks have won three of their last four overall. The puck drops at 7:30.

>>Blues' Oshie Named NHL's First Star

(New York, NY) -- Blues forward T.J. Oshie is the NHL's top player for last week. Oshie had a NHL-best five goals and tied for the league lead with seven points in four games to earn the First Star. Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin and Canadiens goalie Carey Price were the second and third stars, respectively.

Pau Gasol poured in 27 points and pulled down 14 rebounds as the Bulls ran past the Rockets, 114-105, in Chicago. Jimmy Butler added 22 points for the Bulls, who outscored the Rockets 31-16 in the fourth quarter to earn their third straight win. Derrick Rose had 19 points and nine assists in the win. Josh Smith finished with 21 points for Houston, which has dropped two-of-three. James Harden scored 20 while Dwight Howard had 12 points and 14 boards in the loss.

(Undated) -- The Cavaliers are adding depth at the wing and shaking up the roster. Cleveland added Iman Shumpert and J.R. Smith from the Knicks in a three-team trade Monday night. The Cavs send Dion Waiters to the Thunder, while New York gets Alex Kirk and Lou Amundson from Cleveland, along with Lance Thomas from Oklahoma City. The Knicks are expected to waive Kirk and Amundson, but the status of Lance Thomas is currently unknown. Cleveland also gets a protected first-round pick from OKC.

The National Weather Service has issued wind chill advisories and warnings across Central Illinois from now thru Thursday.

The wind chill warning is for counties along and north of Interstate 72 thru noon on Thursday. The wind chill advisory is for counties between Interstate 72 and Interstate 70 thru noon Thursday.

Bitter cold temperatures and extreme wind chills will occur tonight through Thursday as an intense Arctic high pressure area moves into the plains. Temperatures tonight will drop to below zero over most of the area.

However, northwest winds will become gusty as the high pressure area moves into the plains. This will create wind chills of -15 to -30 across central and southeast Illinois for late tonight into tomorrow morning.

The Weather Service says temperatures will be even colder tomorrow night, with some areas reaching to 10 to 15 below zero. The high pressure will be closer as well, which will bring lighter winds. However, wind chills will still be in the -15 to -30 range across the area through Thursday morning.

So what were Illinoisans up to when they "Googled it"? The search engine reveals in its list of rising search topics, that there was a big surge in Illinois users looking for details on the Ebola virus.

That spike came despite the face that no one in the state was ever diagnosed with the disease.

As the City of Lincoln looks toward the new year, it's Mayor looks back on the accomplishments of 2014.

The past year has seen several changes to city government including new three new aldermen joining the Lincoln City Council. Mayor Keith Snyder appointed the new council members due to three resignations by former aldermen with other commitments. He says he enjoys working with committed citizens working for the betterment of the community.

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Lincoln has also seen major improvements in economic development in 2014. Mayor Snyder explains the city engaged a firm to help attract new businesses to the community. The group called "Retail Strategies" helps to provide data and relationships to area wishing to upgrade their business communities.

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2014 also saw a new merger between three local organizations develop in Lincoln. Main Street Lincoln, the Lincoln Logan County Chamber of Commerce and Logan County Tourism Bureau has become the Logan County Alliance. Snyder notes this merge will create a greater synergy between all three groups and allow for better communication.

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Snyder mentions the new Board for the Logan County Alliance has formed and will officially kick-off in January.

Economic Development leaders of DeWitt County are taking an interest in the new County Board, and more specifically, the committee system.

The County Board was reorganized with a new Board Chair appointed earlier this month and as a part of the reorganiztion, the former committee structure that was done away with, has been restored. Ruth Stauffer is the Executive Director of the DeWitt County Development Council. She plans to be in attendance of the all of the Committee meetings now for a variety of reasons.

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The financial picture of the County is currently not looking very positive and Stauffer hopes the County Board will realize part of economic recovery is building a business base. She is optimistic the new Board will support economic development.

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Not only is the poor financial standing of the county making things difficult for recruiting businesses, but the poor standing of the state is as well. However, Stauffer remains optimistic the right people are now in place to turn things around.

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Stauffer continues to stress economic development is not something where you'll see results overnight. She feels they are in store for a very prosperous 2015 and hopes to see the fruits of their labor begin to show up for the community to see.

As we enter 2015, the Blue Ridge Board of Education is going to invest time into update the district's strategic plan.

According to Superintendent Susan Wilson, it was last looked at about 18 months ago and the BOE recently decided they needed to go back and take a look at where that stands. She explains they plan to re-engage the public later this year.

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As a part of the strategic plan, two primary focal points have been curriculum and technology. The math curriculum has been revamped and Wilson continues to be excited about how that is going. This year, she says this year's focus is English Language Arts.

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Wilson notes, the Board in December went item by item on the current plan and found they have either completed their goals or they are well on their way to completion, thus the need to look at updating it once again.

Following a Tuesday snow, temperatures in central Illinois are expected to be bitter cold.

DeWitt County Emergency Management Agency Director, Teresa Barnett says after the Tuesday snow, temperatures are going to be dangerously cold, as wind chills will be consistently around zero, and below.

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Kids return to school Tuesday and Barnett advises parents bundle their kids up to keep them warm, whether they are walking to school or taking the bus.

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Residents are likely to be back to work this week, and Barnett encourages preparing your vehicle with items such as water, small snacks, blankets and items that can be used as traction such as kittie litter or sand. She also notes getting your vehicle checked out to make sure it is in good condition is a good idea.

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During an extended cold-spell, like what we are expecting, Barnett indicates the power going is a definite possibility. She says if power should go out, they will activate their warming centers across the County.

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Barnett encourages residents to sign up for the CodeRed alert system. She explains it will notify residents of power outages and where warming centers are in the event they are needed. She adds those come through phone calls, text messages or even emailing them.

To sign up for the CodeRed system, visit the County's website, www.dewittcountyill.com or visit the City of Clinton's website, clintonillinois.com.

A new law expanding the Illinois medical marijuana program to children is opening a market for an unproven strain of cannabis called Charlotte's Web and a dark green, weed-fragrant oil made from it.

Some parents of children with epilepsy say the oil eases their children's seizures. The marijuana strain is cultivated by a Colorado company to be heavy in a compound called CBD and low in THC, the psychoactive ingredient that makes people high.

Charlotte's Web hasn't been tested in clinical trials for effectiveness or safety, but it will be legal in Illinois under a law that took effect Thursday.

For now, mainstream medicine regards Charlotte's Web as a folk remedy deserving of caution, and it's unclear whether Illinois doctors will sign off on their young patients using it.

Reports say seven homicides were investigated in the past year, compared to five in 2013. Police made arrests in five of the 2014 homicide cases.

Chief Deputy Joe Roesch of the Sangamon County Sheriff's Office says investigators spent weeks working on the first homicide. Three people were eventually arrested and charged with first-degree murder in the Jan. 31 shooting death of 24-year-old Justin Sharp.

Springfield police also arrested three people in connection with a March shooting death and two people in connection with a May stabbing death.

Roesch says the relatively low number of local homicides makes it difficult to determine any trends.

An Illinois father has been charged with delivering a gun to his son and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

The rural Urbana man was arraigned Tuesday after guns intended for hunting were found in his teenage son's pickup truck at St. Joseph-Ogden High School earlier this month. State's Attorney Julia Rietz says the 16-year-old has been charged in juvenile court with possession of a firearm without a valid firearm owner's identification card.

Rietz tells reporters that school officials received an anonymous tip from a concerned parent who claimed the teen was bragging about having a gun in his car.

Rietz says an assault rifle, two shotguns and seven boxes of ammunition were found in the unlocked truck.

A message seeking comment was left Wednesday afternoon with the attorney representing the father.

An Elgin conductor is on track to reproduce the train that carried the body of President Abraham Lincoln to his Springfield funeral.

The reproduction of the Lincoln Funeral Train Car is being built from scratch in Dave Kloke's workshop to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the assassination and funeral proceedings. Supporters of the project plan to begin recreating the two-week train trip from Washington, D.C. to the capital of Illinois in about four months.

The Historic Railroad Equipment Association, a nonprofit set up to finance the project, is currently trying to secure permits and work with the National Park Service to display the train near Union Station or the Washington Mall.

The group will transport the train on a truck along the original funeral train route.

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum wants people to take a stab at answering that question with a "LincolnSelfie Contest."

Each contestant should shoot a photo of him- or herself in one or more of the following ways: dressed as the 16th president or with an impersonator; at a Lincoln site or museum; or holding a Lincoln statue, doll, photo or artwork.

Previous selfies are OK but digital manipulation is prohibited.

Judges will choose three finalists Feb. 2. They will be posted on the museum's Facebook page. The number of "likes" determines the winner on Feb. 12.

The winner will receive a gift-shop water bottle, a t-shirt, library and museum guide, and a brand-name "selfie stick."

A 25-year-old North Pekin man has died in a dirt biking accident in a farm field earlier this week.

Dewayne Appleyard died Monday after riding motorized bikes with another person in South Pekin. Capt. Craig Catton of the Tazewell County Sheriff's Department says Appleyard lost control of his bike when it struck the wheel of a mobile irrigation spray system and sent him flying into the system's tower.

Reports say he was airlifted to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Peoria County Coroner Johnna Ingersoll said Appleyard suffered from apparent head injuries.

Under a plea agreement, Knowles pleaded guilty to a single count of first-degree murder this year. Under the deal, he faced up to 40 years in prison rather than up to 100 years.

The father told authorities two years ago that Asa Knowles became unresponsive after he was bouncing his son to calm him down. And in court, the defense portrayed Knowles as a good person who simply made a "serious, mortal mistake."

But prosecutors disputed that portrayal. They say autopsy results showed the injuries, including a fractured skull, weren't accidental.

Reports indicate that Seth A. Morris was charged Monday in Peoria's U.S. District Court.

A filed complaint says the investigation began when a middle school-aged girl told authorities that Morris allegedly sent her a sexually explicit photo involving a minor on a social networking site.

Investigators allegedly found several sexually explicit chats between the tipster and Morris, including a photo.

Authorities say police were able to trace the photos to Morris' phone. He allegedly admitted involvement in the online chats and using his phone to take sexually explicit photos involving a 3-year-old boy.

He allegedly admitted sending the girl a photo in the hope of getting similar pictures.

Police in central Illinois have announced instances in which high-quality counterfeit $100 bills have surfaced.

Reports state that Lincoln police said this week there are two locations in the city where $100 bills were passed. The money appeared real even after clerks used counterfeit marking pens to check them.

Joe Roesch is chief deputy of the Sangamon County Sheriff's Department. He says between Dec. 15 and 17, a man went into businesses on Springfield's north side and asked for change for $100 bills. In one case, the man convinced a customer to break the bill for him when the store didn't have change.

The U.S. Secret Service is responsible for investigating counterfeit money.

So what were Illinoisans up to when they "Googled it"? The search engine reveals in its list of rising search topics, that there was a big surge in Illinois users looking for details on the Ebola virus. That spike came despite the face that no one in the state was ever diagnosed with the disease. The World Cup was the second-most googled term in Illinois. Apple's iPhone six came in at number three.

WITH SO MANY CASES OF THE FLU POPPING UP IN ILLINOIS…STATE PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICIALS SAYS YOU NEED TO MAKE SURE YOU ARE VACCINATED AGAINST THE VIRUS. .

ALTHOUGH THE FLU SEASON IS RAMPING UP EARLIER THAN USUAL THIS YEAR…ILLINOIS PUBLIC HEALTH DIRECTOR DOCTOR LAMAR HASBROUCK STILL ADVISES YOU GET YOUR FLU SHOT IF YOU HAVEN’T ALREADY DONE SO.

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THE C-D-C IS DECLARING THE FLU AN EPIDEMIC NOW...AND ILLINOIS IS ONE OF THE STATES SHOWING HIGH FLU ACTIVITY. THE VIRUS CAN LEAD TO LIFE THREATENING COMPLICATIONS FOR SOME INCLUDING YOUNG CHILDREN, THE ELDERLY AND THOSE WITH OTHER MEDICAL CONDITIONS.

If tax reform leads to stability, Illinois businesses are ready to talk with lawmakers.Illinois leaders have floated the idea of business tax reforms, possibly adding new taxes or slightly higher taxes, in exchange for a more modern tax code. Mark Denzler with the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association, says as long a job creators get some stability from Springfield, they’re willing to talk.

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Denzler says businesses don’t want more taxes. But he says both the manufacturing sector and service sector could support some tax changes.

A COUPLE OF NEW STATE LAWS AIM TO MAKE LIFE A LITTLE EASIER ON ILLINOIS DRIVERS.

ONE NEW LAW IS FOR PROCRASTINATORS WHO WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE TO RENEW THEIR LICENSE PLATE STICKER ONLINE, THEN HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL IT ARRIVES IN THE MAIL IT LETS DRIVERS USE THEIR RECEIPT AS PROOF OF UP TO DATE REGISTRATION FOR A MONTH AFTER PURCHASE SAYS SECRETARY OF STATE JESSE WHITE.

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ANOTHER NEW LAW, CALLED “SIGN AND DRIVE” LETS THOSE PULLED OVER FOR SPEEDING OR OTHER VIOLATION, SIMPLY SIGN THE CITATION INSTEAD OF TURNING OVER THEIR DRIVER’S LICENSE

With the start of 2015, the staff of the DeWitt County Museum will soon go to work on needed projects.

The Museum will close for the winter beginning this weekend and there will be a full plate of preparations for the Spring. Museum Manager Larry Buss explains their work really begins once the doors close. He notes self-discipline plays into their tight schedule to get everything ready for the re-opening in April.

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A new display involving the Illinois Central Railroad will be displayed beginning in the Spring. Buss says various areas of the house will have new items on view when the museum opens it doors.

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New Museum Director Joey Woolridge is working on a World War I exhibit for the spring. She's also excited about a new event involving C.H. Moore. The event will look at life during the Victorian Era of history and spotlight various cultural aspects of the time.

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Another event for the DeWitt County Museum will be an art show held on the grounds in June according to Woolridge.

2015 will provide a busy calendar of events for the Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce.

The first portion of the year will see a loaded schedule for the Chamber and Clinton community. Executive Director Marian Brisard notes January through April features events such as their Annual Chamber Dinner and the local Ag Banquet. Spring Break at the High School will allow time for the annual Business Expo as well.

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Other events including the Golf Outing and Barn Quilt Tours are planned for the summer months. Brisard says once summer's over, plans for the Clinton Haunted House will begin once again and hopes the support shown for this year's event will continue into 2015. The final major event for the Chamber's 2015 will be the annual Christmas Parade.

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All scheduled events will be posted on the Chamber's 2015 Calendar of Events once all dates are finalized.

Saint Louis, Missouri and Illinois are all in action tomorrow. The Billikens battle Rhode Island to get the Atlantic 10 slate underway. Mizzou faces Lipscomb at home. The Fighting Illini are at Ohio State.

Maty Mauk threw for 97 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions as Missouri topped Minnesota 33-17 in the Citrus Bowl. Mauk also rushed for a TD for the Tigers, who end the season 11-and-3. Bud Sasser hauled in seven catches for 68 yards and both scores in the win.

The Fighting Illini are at Ohio State tomorrow to play the Buckeyes. Tipoff from Value City Arena is at 2:30 p.m. on ESPN2. Illinois is 10-and-4 and 0-and-1 in the Big Ten. The Buckeyes are 11-and-3 and 0-and-1.

Troy Brouwer lit the lamp with just 12.9 seconds left to play and the Washington Capitals beat the Chicago Blackhawks 3-2 in the 2015 Winter Classic from Nationals Park. Brouwer scored on a power-play after a controversial hooking call on Blackhawks center Jonathan Toews [[ tayves ]]. Eric Fehr and Alex Ovechkin also scored for Washington. Braden Holtby stopped 33 shots for the Caps, who improved to 2-and-0 in the New Year's Day event. Corey Crawford allowed three goals on 35 shots for Chicago. Patrick Sharp and Brandon Saad [[ sod ]] netted goals as the Blackhawks saw their two-game win streak come to an end.

Jimmy Butler led the way with 26 points, eight rebounds and eight assists as the Bulls edged the Nuggets 106-101 at the United Center. Derrick Rose chipped in 17 on 7-of-25 shooting and Pau Gasol added 17 points, nine blocks and nine boards. Joakim Noah cleaned the glass with 11 rebounds as the Bulls improved to 23-and-10. Wilson Chandler led the Nuggets with 22 points and Kenneth Faried recorded an 18-point, 19-rebound double-double. Ty Lawson added 20 points and seven assists for Denver, which fell to 13-and-20.

Chris Olivier scored a career-high 22 points and Dylan Chatman hit a pair of free throws with 2 seconds left to help Eastern Illinois rally to beat Tennessee Tech 61-59 in the Ohio Valley opener for both teams on Thursday.

Reggie Smith hit a 3 with 2:13 left to give Eastern Illinois (7-6) a 55-52 lead. Charles Jackson's free throws with 17 seconds to play capped a 7-0 run by Tennessee Tech (8-6) and made it 59-55.

Smith hit another 3-pointer with 11 seconds remaining and, after a Tennessee Tech turnover, Olivier made the first of two free throws, tying the game at 59.

Chatman was fouled after grabbing the offensive rebound on the second free throw and made the clinching free throws.

Bids for another presidential library in the state are perhaps in jeopardy. A few reports say there’s trouble for the two bids in Chicago for President Barack Obama's library. The Barack Obama Foundation, a group screening the bids, says they have concerns about the pair of proposals. The first from the University of Chicago, the problem there is the University can’t guarantee can secure the land for where it’s proposing to build the library. The second bid, from the University of Illinois at Chicago is troublesome because of the current change in leadership at the University. The Illinois bids are competing against Honolulu and New York.

Bids for another presidential library in the state are perhaps in jeopardy. A few reports say there’s trouble for the two bids in Chicago for President Barack Obama's library. The Barack Obama Foundation, a group screening the bids, says they have concerns about the pair of proposals. The first from the University of Chicago, the problem there is the University can’t guarantee they can secure the land for where it’s proposing to build the library. The second bid, from the University of Illinois at Chicago is troublesome because of the current change in leadership at the University. The Illinois bids are competing against Honolulu and New York.

Authorities say an attempted robbery at a Champaign sushi restaurant unraveled when the suspect concluded the pellet gun he was holding was no match for the large, shiny and really sharp knife the restaurant's chef was holding.

The attempted robbery happened Tuesday night at the Kamakura Japanese restaurant. 23-year-old Clayton Dial of Ogden allegedly pulled out his weapon and demanded money from the hostess. Sushi chef Tetsuji Miwa overheard the exchange and grabbed his knife - the sight of which prompted the suspect to run away.

Miwa and two co-workers chased Dial and captured him outside. They held him - without using the knife - until police arrived. On Thursday, Dial remained in the county jail.

The lag will force cultivation center owners to break ground for new construction during the coldest winter months. The delay pushes back the harvest of the first cannabis crop. Patients will have to wait, perhaps until summer, before they can legally use the drug.

Illinois Department of Public Health spokeswoman Melaney Arnold says the state is conducting "a comprehensive review" of applications to ensure only the most qualified are approved. She says an announcement will come when the review is finished.

The New Year is a great time for setting goals when it comes to eating better.

Most New Year's resolutions tend to fall by the wayside after a couple months into the year. U of I Extension Nutrition Educator Caitlin Huth explains most of these goals tend to be too difficult for the average person. An acronym called SMART can also help those wanting to lose weight according to Huth. She adds simpler, specific goals will be easier to achieve for those wanting to be healthier.

[audio:12152015health1.mp3] [/audio]

Most goals should have a solid definition and the ability to be reached. Huth notes goals are easy to neglect when they become difficult to follow. Keeping resolutions realistic is an easy way to follow through with want you want to achieve.

[audio:12152015health2.mp3] [/audio]

Weight loss goals need to be healthy and realistic according to Huth. Time-based goals are also essential to productive results. Measuring by time allows one to evaluate how a particular process worked for you. Huth says making changes to one's original plans is nothing to be ashamed of.

[audio:12152015health3.mp3] [/audio]

Huth stresses having a plan is essential to getting healthier. She says having something to strive for will keep you going through the process.

Illinois will try to bounce back from a loss in its Big Ten opener when it travels to Columbus to play 18th-ranked Ohio State on Saturday. The Fighting Illini lost 73-65 in overtime at Michigan on Tuesday to fall to 10-and-4. The Buckeyes are 11-and-3 after losing to Iowa on Tuesday.

The Cubs are adding depth to their outfield. FoxSports.com reports the Cubs have agreed to a one-year deal with veteran Chris Denorfia, pending a physical. Denorfia hit .230 with three homers and 21 RBI in 121 games with San Diego and Seattle last season.

The Bulls continue their five-game homestand tonight against Denver at the United Center. Chicago is coming off a 96-82 loss to Brooklyn on Tuesday. That snapped a seven-game winning streak and dropped the Bulls to 22-and-10. Denver is 13-and-19.

The Blackhawks clash with the Capitals in the NHL's annual Winter Classic game today at Nationals Park in DC. The 'Hawks previously hosted the Winter Classic at Wrigley Field in 2009. Chicago has won two in-a-row to improve to 25-10-and-2.

Marcus Marshall and Dorian Williams combined to score 22 points as Missouri State nursed a shrinking 11-point first-half lead into a 53-50 win over Illinois State in the Missouri Valley Conference opener for both schools Wednesday night.

Loomis Gerring scored on a jumper in the paint barely 90 seconds into the game to give Missouri State a lead it did not relinquish. Marshall's 3-pointer with a second left in the half pushed the margin to 11 points, 26-15.

The Bears (7-6, 1-0) pushed the lead to as many as 16 points twice in the second half. The Salukis (7-7, 0-1) rallied but got no closer than three points down the stretch.

Marshall finished with 12 points and Williams added 10 more as Missouri State shot 40.4 percent from the field (19 of 47) while the defense checked Illinois State field goal shooting to 33.3 percent on 12 of 36 attempts.

Khristian Smith scored the game-winner with 5.8 seconds left and Indiana State held on to beat Illinois State 63-61 in the Missouri Valley Conference opener for both teams Wednesday.

Illinois State came back from an 11-point deficit at the 7:42 mark when Tony Wills scored to tie it at 61 with 34.4 seconds left. Smith answered by splitting two defenders and scoring a 12-foot turnaround jumper in the lane. The Redbirds then got the ball to Wills underneath the basket, but his shot was blocked at the buzzer to seal it for the Sycamores.

Tre' Bennett scored 15 points, and Justin Gant had 10 to lead Indiana State (5-8, 1-0), which shot 62 percent overall in the second half.

Wills had 16 points, MiKyle McIntosh added 11 points and Paris Lee had six steals for Illinois State (8-5, 0-1).

The state's latest version of an Eavesdropping Law is now on the books after a previous version was tossed out by the courts. The new law boosts penalties for people recording private conversations without getting permission first. Now, someone who records a phone conversation without permission could face a felony and time behind bars. Rumors have circulated that the measure made it illegal to record police officers while they're on duty. In reality, people can now record police officers because they don't have a reasonable expectation of privacy.

Yesterday on Regional Radio News, we started unveiling the top 10 stories from Clinton and DeWitt County this last year, starting with ten and finishing with six. Today we'll countdown from five to one the top stories of 2014.

The results are based off statistics compiled through DeWittDailyNews.com. The stories as presented have been edited from their original versions.

The spouse of a DeWitt County Office holder was charged with a pair of Class-A Misdemeanor drug crimes in late October.

Task Force Six investigated Circuit Clerk Pam Barnes' husband, 62-year old Jeff Barnes, who was charged with possession of 10-30 grams of cannabis and also the possession of the plant, both Class A misdemeanors.

A Class misdemeanor is punishable of up to a year in jail.

A special prosecutor, Thomas J. Brown from the Illinois State's Attorneys Appelate Prosecutors Office has been assigned to the case.

The principal of the new Clinton Elementary school resigned amid an impending investigation by DCFS in early October.

The Clinton School District announced October 1, Clinton Elementary School principal Gary Gullone resigned his position effective immediately.

Gullone was on administrative leave pending the outcome of a DCFS investigation. He was a part of the Clinton district for 33 years and had previously served as principal of Lincoln Elementary school prior to his role as principal of Clinton Elementary school.

Mary Diener is now the acting principal, she was serving as assistant principal to Gullone.

Clinton Schools Superintendent Dr. Jeff Holmes would not make any statements on Gullone's resignation.

DeWitt County Coroner, Randy Rice and the DeWitt County Sherriff’s Dept. is investigating a single car accident that resulted in one fatality.

20-year old Erick M. Briseno of Clinton was traveling west on DeWitt Road when he lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle rolled and 2 other occupants were ejected. The 2 ejected were transported to local hospitals.

Tragedy struck the DeWitt County community mid-summer when a local leader tragically passed away in a work related accident.

54-year old Tom Pruser was reported missing at 6:15 AM the morning of June 26 and was found pinned beneath a utility tractor in Heyworth at 6:45 AM that same morning at Tate and Lyle in Heyworth. No obvious signs of life were visible when he was found by the Heyworth Fire Department and Heyworth Emergency Medical Services. Pruser was pronounced dead at 7:38 AM.

Pruser had been performing maintenance on the property at Tate and Lyle in Heyworth where he was the manager. Employees indicated to McLean County Coroner officials they had last seen Pruser Wednesday at the grain elevator.

Pruser was a member of the Clinton School Board of Education and also sat on the DeWitt County Board.

In the early fall tragedy struck the community again as a Clinton High School student took his own life.

The head of the Clinton School district says the death of 17-year old Evan Workman "is a tragedy above any proportion I could have thought".

The Clinton community learned in the late evening [of September 6] of the death of Workman and Superintendent Dr. Jeff Holmes says when he was first informed by Principal Jerry Wayne of the news he was left speechless and devastated.

[audio:9914workmanremember1.mp3][/audio]

Upon learning of the passing, Wayne opened up the high school for students to come and gather to remember and share their stories. Dr. Holmes says Wayne has always preached making the high school a family, and he applauds his efforts over the weekend to bring together the students and staff who make up that family.

[audio:9914workmanremember2.mp3][/audio]

To remember Workman, Wayne encouraged his students to write or draw things to remember Evan. Those pieces were put together in a scrap book and given to his parents, Randy and Tammy Workman of Clinton.

The new year will see an increase in the amount Illinois pays into the state's five publicly-funded pension systems.

Illinois' auditor general on Wednesday released a report by the state actuary showing a more than $680 million increase in pension payments in 2015 to $7.5 billion.

The report doesn't explain the increase. However, it noted three of the five pension systems lowered the estimated rate of return they expect from investments.

Pension systems get their money through employee contributions, state contributions and investment income. When investment income lags, higher state contributions are made.

Illinois lawmakers last fall increased employee contributions and reduced benefits such as cost-of-living adjustments to close a $111 billion pension deficit. The Illinois Supreme Court will decide whether the action is constitutional.

Illinois veterans who return home from the battlefield with disabilities are getting a big thank you from the State of Illinois that offers far more than gratitude. Legislation signed by Governor Quinn makes them and their spouses eligible for more property tax exemptions. Disabled veterans will see an increased homestead exemption to $100,000 from $70,000. In some cases donors have provided homes for disabled vets but the returning vets struggled with property taxes.

It was high oil prices that had companies finding profits in the shale and oil sand fields across this country, but the price of oil has plummeted in recent months. Mark Denzler with the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association says as long as oil doesn’t see another huge drop, there could still some interest in fracking in southern Illinois.

[audio:Denzler1.MP3] [/audio]

Oil was in the $60 a barrel range before the new year.If Illinois misses out, Denzler says there has to be a recognition that a two year delay by Gov. Pat Quinn’s office may be to blame.

Fears that the arrival of concealed carry legislation would restore a 19th Century Wild West atmosphere to Illinois have been unfounded. No major problems have been reported with the law. Roughly 90,000 people across the state have been approved to travel with a gun in public. Illinois was the last holdout state without a concealed carry law. Illinois finally relented after a court ordered the state to adopt such a plan.